Welsh councils to be given new powers to buy empty homes

Local authorities in Wales are set to be given new powers to compulsory purchase vacant land and empty homes.

The proposed new powers are included in a new consultation launched by the Welsh Government to ‘streamline and modernise’ the current compulsory purchase process.

There are an estimated 30,000 empty homes in Wales, and the devolved administration said vacant land can be used to increase housing supply, as well as bring empty commercial and other properties back into use, helping to create new job opportunities in local communities.

‘In towns and villages across Wales, we see empty homes, former commercial properties and vacant land – which can often be a huge blight on local communities. Improving the delivery of homes in the right locations through the planning system is critical and we are determined to do everything we can to help build the homes people want, and help create jobs closer to people’s homes,’ said Welsh local government minister, Julie James.

‘The Welsh Government has put placemaking at the heart of the planning system in Wales and believes compulsory purchase powers are an important action tool which can help support local authorities and communities recover from the Covid-19 crisis.

‘Used properly, compulsory purchase powers can contribute towards effective and efficient regeneration, the revitalisation of communities, placemaking, and the promotion of business, leading to improvements in quality of life.

‘These changes to planning policy will not only make the process fairer, more efficient and understandable, but remove barriers and help local councils and public bodies to implement positive changes in their communities,’ added Ms James.

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