The Cabinet has decided to authorize community engagement for the designation of a High Street Rental Auction area and delegate powers to implement individual rental auctions.

URL: https://democracy.darlington.gov.uk/ieDecisionDetails.aspx?ID=1893

Decision Maker: Cabinet

Outcome:

Is Key Decision?: No

Is Callable In?: Yes

Purpose: Implementation of new powers and designation of a High Street Rental Auction area in the town centre.

Content: The Cabinet Member with the Resources Portfolio introduced the report (previously circulated) of the Executive Director of Economy and Public Protection which requested approval to begin community engagement relating to the designation of a High Street Rental Auction (HSRA) area, to delegate powers to designate the HSRA area and to delegate power to implement individual rental auctions to the Director of Economy and Public Protection.   The submitted report explained that the High Street Rental Auctions provided local authorities with a new power to which require landlords to rent out persistently vacant commercial properties to new tenants. The Council is an early adopter of the HRSA Programme, HRSA can be used where attempts to work proactively and engage with landlords in bringing vacant premises back into use when they have not been successful. It was explained that not all properties or circumstances will be eligible and new burdens payments are available to fund some aspects of the process.   RESOLVED - (a) That Cabinet authorises undertaking a community engagement exercise on the draft High Street Rental Auction (HSRA) designated area, detail attached at Appendix 1 and 2.   (b) The draft HSRA designation and community engagement information is publicised via the Council’s website, social media, local newspaper and direct mail to landlords of currently vacant properties within the draft area.   (c) The engagement period remains open for a period of 28 days to allow members of local communities and other stakeholders sufficient time to submit comments   d) The draft HSRA designation is amended and finalised in the light of comments received during the community engagement period.   (e) Approval of the final HSRA designation and any future variations to the HSRA designation is delegated to the Executive Director of Economy and Public Protection, in consultation with the Deputy Leader and Economy Portfolio Holder and Cabinet Member for Resources.   (f) Approval to implement each specific High Street Rental Auction is delegated to the Executive Director of Economy and Public Protection in consultation with the Deputy Leader and Economy Portfolio Holder and Cabinet Member for Resources.   (g) Approval to undertake future community engagement exercises pursuant to a variation of the HSRA designation is delegated to the Executive Director of Economy and Public Protection, in consultation with the Deputy Leader and Economy Portfolio Holder and Cabinet Member for Resources.   (h) Approval to draw down and administer New Burdens Payment.   REASONS – The recommendations are supported by the following reasons:   (a) Whilst Darlington’s vacancy rates are low compared to the North East average, there are several long-term vacant properties within the proposed HSRA area which could become occupied as a result of this new power.   (b) Reducing high street vacancies aligns with Darlington Borough Council's Town Centre Strategy and will contribute to the overall vitality and sustainability of the town centre.   (c) HSRA is a last resort which applies to eligible properties which have been unoccupied for 12 months or at least 366 days within a 24-month period and that occupation of the premises would be beneficial to the local economy, society, or environment.   (d) It is a legislative requirement the council must publish any proposed high street designation and should invite comments from the local community and any other stakeholders who may be affected via email and post and for no less than a period of 28 days. The recommended use of a variety of publication methods aims to reach as many of the affected parties as possible.   (e) Delegation of powers to approve each auction and the final HSRA designation area following the community engagement exercise will enable the council to begin implementation at pace. It is envisaged that community engagement comments will be geographical in nature and any subsequent amendment to the draft HSRA designation boundary at Appendix 1 will not be materially significant to finalisation of the HSRA area and implementation.      

Date of Decision: May 6, 2025