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A BUILDING left derelict for 20 years has been transformed into a new home.
The Blandford Masonic Hall, in West Street, is owned by Blandford Freemasons which, with the assistance of Dorset Council’s empty homes team and ethical lender Lendology CIC, renovated the building and created a one bedroom flat to rent.
The council now has exclusive rights for 10 years to rent the flat to people on the housing register.
The project coincides with National Empty Homes Week which highlights the work of authorities in tracking down and working with property owners to turn empty properties into homes.
Cllr Graham Carr-Jones, Dorset Council Portfolio Holder for Housing and Community Safety, said: “Turning an empty building into a flat to rent gives someone on the housing register a stable and quality home.
“Not only do we aim to get empty houses back into use, but we also turn them into homes for families on our housing register. This saves us money by reducing our reliance on temporary accommodation including bed and breakfast.”
Mike Lewis, spokesman for Blandford Freemasons, said: “This has been a great ‘win-win’ success story for us. We have taken a run-down empty building which was a drain on our resources and turned it into a home.”
The council is working to bring dozens of properties back to life. Communities are encouraged to continue to report long-term empty properties to tackle this widespread, yet often hidden problem.
If a property owner does not engage with the council there are considerable enforcement powers to bring about improvements or even take over the use, or ownership, of the building.
(l-r)Mike Lewis and Adam Perkins of the Blandford Freemasons with Cllr Graham Carr-Jones, Portfolio Holder for Housing and Cllr Nocturin Lacey-Clarke, Blandford Ward,
Suzanne Kinlough, Empty Homes officer, said: “We work tirelessly to track down, support and assist owners of empty homes to get them back into use. We use a range of enforcement powers from legal notices, magistrates court warrants and compulsory purchase orders.”
Cllr Carr-Jones added: “Empty homes are a concern for all residents. It’s not just about the rights of the person who owns it, but the neighbours and residents around the empty property who may be impacted by it.
“We always try to help empty homeowners first, but we won’t shy away from taking formal action where the rights of neighbours and residents are affected.”
West Street, in Blandford
For more information visit www.dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/housing/housing/empty-properties.
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