Council pursues enforcement action over empty Nelson home

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 20 Oct, 06:19 · Archive

Pendle Borough Council has taken court action against the owner of a long-term empty property in Chapel Street, Nelson, which had fallen into disrepair. An inspection in July 2025 revealed poor condition, prompting the council to serve a notice under Section 215 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 requiring the owner to improve the property's appearance and condition.

Despite repeated requests from the council, the owner failed to carry out the necessary improvements. Although the owner initially indicated that work would begin, the property remained in breach of the notice. The case was heard at Blackburn Magistrates' Court on Wednesday, 7 October. The owner explained reasons for the delay but the court imposed a 12-month conditional discharge, ordering the owner to pay prosecution costs of £424 and a victim surcharge of £26.

Councillor Asjad Mahmood, leader of Pendle Council, said: 'Bringing empty homes back into use is an important part of our work to create cleaner, safer and more attractive neighbourhoods across Pendle.' He said the council had made every effort to work with the owner before pursuing enforcement action. The council said it would continue to monitor the property.

How it is being reported

• Pendle council takes court action over long-term empty Nelson homeA long-term empty home has been targeted with enforcement action after falling into disrepairLancashire Telegraph · 20 Oct, 05:00
• Pendle Council takes enforcement action on long-term empty Nelson propertyPendle Borough Council has taken enforcement action to bring a long-term empty property in Nelson back into use, with the owner ordered to pay £424 in prosecution costs and a victim surcharge of £26.Burnley Express · 19 Oct, 16:44

In this story: Pendle Borough Council · Nelson · Asjad Mahmood · Blackburn Magistrates' Court · Chapel Street

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