AN EMPTY home is set to be compulsorily purchased after senior Cornwall Councillors gave the go ahead.

The long-term empty property in Redruth has attracted crime and anti-social behaviour. It is one of more than 3,000 properties classed as Long-Term Empty in the county.

The Council says that through its Empty Homes Plan, it is working to ensure that property owners are encouraged and, where appropriate, forced, to unlock unused homes.

Cabinet member for homes Andrew Mitchell said: “When what could be a perfectly good family home is left to rot, we are determined to step in and take action. We’re continuing with the carrot approach by offering help to empty homeowners to bring their property up to scratch, but yesterday’s decision shows that, where necessary, we will use the stick.

“This is a clear message to other empty homeowners that if they won’t work with us, we’ll step in and take action to compulsorily purchase the property.”

If possible the house will be renovated for use in a Cornwall Council housing scheme. Otherwise it will be sold.

For homeowners with empty properties who are struggling, a range of help, including advice and financial assistance, is available to bring the properties back into use, says Cornwall Council.

The Council’s Empty Property Loan scheme has lent over £2.6 million to property owners, resulting in 123 properties being brought back into use.

The Council adds that while the current (October 2020) figure of Long-Term Empty properties is high at 3071, this number fluctuates and there is a relatively high turnover of houses going in and out of use. However, a smaller number of homes remain persistently empty and unused.

For information about the range of help available, contact the Council’s Empty Homes Team on 01726 223600, email [email protected]; or visit www.cornwall.gov.uk/emptyproperties