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Within Kent there are an estimated 6,341 long-term empty
properties.
In a bid to get these properties back in the market as homes,
KCC has developed the East Kent Empty Property Initiative (link opens
in a new window), together with partners including district
councils.
Vacant commercial properties add to these empty homes,
discouraging investment in the immediate neighbourhood, and acting
as a magnate for crime including arson and vandalism.
The East Kent Empty Property Initiative aims to reduce the
number of long term empty properties in East Kent. Launched in
April 2005, the project runs for three years.
The main target for the East Kent Empty Property Initiative
(EKEPI) has been to return to use 372 long-term vacant properties,
which would represent a doubling in numbers previously achieved by
the partner district councils. Although the three years is not yet
completed, the 372 target has already been reached.
The EKEPI involves close partnership working between the county
and the districts with a number of different approaches to increase
the return to use of empty properties. Much of the work to identify
and negotiate with owners, and if necessary proceed with
enforcement action, is undertaken at the district level.
However, the county provides financial support, including loans
for owners and developers to renovate their properties, and in-kind
support, for example legal expertise for the district if they are
involved in enforcement action.
The county also has employed a communications company to raise
the profile of the initiative with owners of empty homes. Kent
County Council originally committed £5 million to support this
range of approaches, however this has been revised downwards to
reflect the actual expenditure requirements.
Ambitious but achievable targets have been set to extend the
initiative and by 2009/10, it is anticipated that a further 650
homes are to have been targeted.
Whilst the primary aim for the EKEPI has been to increase the
number of empty properties returned to use, the following
additional benefits have also been identified:
- regeneration of run-down urban areas
- support for Planning Policy Statement 3
- decent (quality) homes
- stimulate housing markets
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