Empty properties to be brought back into use as affordable housing

A number of empty properties are to be brought back into use as affordable homes following a successful bid by Dover District Council under a new Government scheme.

The Homes & Communities Agency (HCA) has confirmed that DDC has been successful in its bid for £110,000 to enable the lease and repair of five long-term empty properties so that they can be brought back into use as affordable housing.

Under the scheme the town centre properties will be leased to the council on a long-term lease, and will be let and managed by the council at an affordable rent. The council will meet the cost of the required works to bring the properties up to a good standard, and will maintain them during the lease period.

DDC is allocating a further £150,000 to the project which is a key part of the Empty Homes Strategy. The intention is for the council to recover this investment from the rent generated over the lease period.

Cllr Sue Chandler, DDC Cabinet Member for Housing said: "We are pleased to have secured this funding to renovate long-term empty properties and bring them back into use as good quality accommodation at affordable rents. This is an important part of our strategy to increase the amount of affordable housing in the district, and follows on from the recent opening of brand new developments in Dover at Buckland Mill and Maison Dieu Road."

DDC is interested in hearing from owners of empty properties to help them bring their property back into use. For more information, contact the DDC Empty Properties Team on 01304 872221.