Number of empty properties in Dover District drops by more than 50%

As a range of regeneration initiatives continues to move forward, Dover District Council is welcoming news that the number of long term empty properties in the area has dropped by more than 50% over the last five years.

That's according to latest figures released by Kent County Council, as part of the successful No Use Empty initiative. The figures show that the number of long term empty dwellings in Dover District has reduced from 952 in 2009 to 436 in 2014 - a reduction of 516, or 54%.

The statistics also show that the number of long term empty homes across Kent (not including Medway) has dropped from 7,478 in 2009 to 4,458 in 2014, a drop of 3,020 or 40%. The number of long term vacant dwellings in Kent has declined for six consecutive years, with a 42% reduction since 2008.

A recent example of DDC's successful work in bringing empty homes back into use is the refurbishment of 3 two-bedroom flats in Dover town centre. The flats had been empty for several years. The project has been jointly funded by DDC and the Homes & Communities Agency, and the Council is currently in the process of letting the flats as affordable homes.

Cllr Pauline Beresford, DDC Cabinet Member for Housing said: "This is great news for the district, and we are delighted that the number of empty properties continues to drop. As a range of major regeneration projects moves forward for the district, we continue to work with partners including the No Use Empty initiative for the future."

For more information on the No Use Empty initiative visit www.no-use-empty.org.