URL: https://democracy.thanet.gov.uk/ieDecisionDetails.aspx?ID=5421

Decision Maker: Head of Housing and Planning

Outcome: Recommendations Approved

Is Key Decision?: No

Is Callable In?: No

Purpose:

Content: To approve and publish an Empty Homes Plan 2025-29. Empty and derelict homes have an adverse effect on neighbourhoods. They are often unsightly and can attract crime and anti-social behaviour such as squatting, arson, graffiti and fly-tipping. They may also affect the value of neighbouring properties by creating an impression of neglect and decline within a community. Such properties are not only eyesores and a source of neighbourhood distress, they are most significantly a wasted resource in a time of ever growing housing demand. Many people cannot access good housing, yet many homes stand vacant.   Homes that have been empty for more than six months are of concern, and these are known as long term empty homes. The council’s Empty Homes team is committed to taking action whenever possible to help bring them back into use. Council intervention helps increase overall housing supply and reduces the negative environmental and economic effects that empty homes have on neighbourhoods.   The Empty Homes Plan 2025-29 sets out the background to empty homes in Thanet, highlights the main ways in which the council can intervene, and explores the opportunities that could be employed to help reduce the number of long term empty homes in Thanet.    The reasons for approving and publishing the Empty Homes Plan 2025-29 are:   To help guide the work of the Empty Homes team, and To be open and transparent about the council’s intended interventions in respect of empty homes in Thanet.   A draft version of the Empty Homes Plan 2025-29 was presented to and recommended by the Housing Cabinet Advisory Group on 05 March 2025. The Empty Homes Plan 2025-29 provides operational guidance to the Empty Homes team and sets out the council’s approach to tackling empty homes. Without a plan, the Empty Homes team would lack direction and there would be a lack of openness and transparency. Not having a plan is therefore not considered to be in the public interest.

Date of Decision: October 23, 2025