Cabinet approves ambitious plan to bring empty homes back to life.

Dorset Council’s Cabinet has approved its first-ever Empty Homes Strategy, marking a significant step forward in the fight against abandoned homes.

The strategy sets out a bold and proactive approach to replace neglected, long-term empty residential properties with much-needed homes for local people.

The strategy builds on recent successes, including the transformation of an abandoned house in South View Road in Weymouth.

This had been left empty for over a decade and blighted the local community due to the unsafe front bay window, repeated access by squatters and anti-social behaviour.

However the Council stepped in and following a Compulsory Purchase Order, they were able to acquire the property voluntarily in late 2024. This has led to its recent transformation by the new owners.

Marking a shift in how the Council tackles empty homes, the new strategy will focus on improving data, to better identify and track empty properties, proactively engage owners as early as possible and offer further support and financial assistance.

When all voluntary efforts have failed, enforcement powers such as Compulsory Purchase, Enforced Sales and Empty Dwelling Management Orders will all be used.  

The strategy will be applied across departments to better align housing, planning, council tax, and social care.

To support this work, the Council has committed £1.6 million in capital funding over four years for the voluntary and compulsory purchase of houses. Much of this money is returned when abandoned houses are bought and then sold back onto the market.

Councillor Gill Taylor, Cabinet Member for Housing and Health, said:

“Empty homes are a wasted resource. They can blight communities, attract anti-social behaviour, and sit idle while people desperately need housing. This strategy is about using every tool available to us to bring homes back into use and improve lives.

“This is just the beginning,” added Councillor Taylor. “With this strategy, we’re laying the groundwork for more transformations, bringing homes back to life and helping people across Dorset find safe, secure places to live.”

Since 2021, Dorset Council has brought almost 50 long-term empty homes back into use.

The strategy aims to reduce reliance on Bed and Breakfast accommodation, support care leavers and provide homes for residents, including those with disabilities.

Other successful  transformations have included six single bedroom units providing short-term accommodation at a former empty home in Blandford Forum. And with financial help a one bed flat in the town was restored for people on the housing register.

A cottage on Gold Hill in Shaftesbury, which had previously featured in the  iconic Hovis advert.

Also, a Compulsory Purchase Order (CPO) for a long-term, empty and abandoned home in Bridport.

The strategy is part of the Home in on Housing programme, which is delivering the Dorset Council Housing strategy, and supports one of four strategic priorities in the Dorset Council Plan 2024 - 2029.