Malvern councillor urges action on long-abandoned properties

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 23 Oct, 06:08 · Archive

Several properties in Malvern have stood empty since 2006, with a councillor warning their deterioration threatens adjacent buildings.

Several properties in Malvern have stood empty since 2006, with their deteriorating condition now attracting concern from local councillors. Malvern Hills district councillor Paul Bennett identified buildings on Abbey Road, Tibberton Road and Ranelagh Road as examples of long-term vacant properties that have become dangerous. He warned that their decline may be threatening damage to adjacent buildings and reported that teenagers have regularly been breaking in.

Cllr Bennett argued that the empty properties represent a missed opportunity to address Malvern's housing shortage. He said the buildings could be converted into flats capable of housing thirty to forty households for people unable to afford to buy houses outright in the area. Instead, he noted, the council is preparing green fields for development.

Calling for stronger national measures, Cllr Bennett stressed that legislation should be strengthened to give councils greater powers to take control of long-term vacant properties through compulsory purchase. He said there has been very little progress on the issue and questioned whether enough action was being taken at a higher level, though he acknowledged the district council's new Empty Homes Officer, David George, who was appointed just over a year ago, was not to blame.

How it is being reported

• Councillor laments lack of progress as Malvern properties lie abandoned for 20 yearsA Malvern councillor has voiced growing frustration over the lack of progress in tackling long-term empty properties in the town, warning that some neglected buildings are becoming dangerous.Malvern Gazette · 23 Oct, 05:00
• Councillor laments lack of progress as Malvern properties lie abandoned for 20 yearsA Malvern councillor has voiced growing frustration over the lack of progress in tackling long-term empty properties in the town, warning that some neglected buildings are becoming dangerous.Worcester News · 23 Oct, 05:00

In this story: Paul Bennett · David George · Malvern · Abbey Road · Tibberton Road · Ranelagh Road · Malvern Hills

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