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The Problem
Empty Homes represent a wasted resource and can have a negative impact on
local communities.
Long-term empty properties can:
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Attract crime, vandalism and rubbish;
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Become a public health hazard;
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Look unsightly and pose a potential danger to children;
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Detract from the neighbourhood amenity;
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Reduce the value of adjacent properties;
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Cost the community for Police and Environmental Health action, as well as
the loss of Council Tax revenue.
Arun has its share of the almost one million empty homes throughout the UK
What is an "Empty Property"?
Arun is playing its part in the national programme to target privately-owned
residential properties that are long-term empty - meaning that they have remained
unoccupied for at least 6 months.
However, Arun does not include holiday homes and second homes within this
definition, nor does Arun include properties which are being actively marketed
for sale or letting.
Empty Properties are at vastly greater risk of being set on fire or used
by squatters the longer they are left unattended and un-secured.
The results can be devastating - and costly to clear up.
Remember - even if the property is insured, the insurance company will investigate
thoroughly to see if there is any reason why they should not pay out.
Arun's Response
Arun aims to :
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Identify long-term empty homes;
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Research the reasons for the empty properties;
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Contact owners and encourage them to bring the empty homes back into
use;
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Work with other organisations and agencies.
Arun's Key Objectives
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Achieve best possible use of housing stock in the Arun area;
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Improve its built environment;
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Minimise 'greenfield' development, by utilising existing properties;
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Improve housing conditions by reduction in the use of Bed & Breakfast
and temporary accommodation for families in need of a home.
Some houses have remained empty for over 20 years -
that represents a family home lost to a whole generation.
Where owners of long-term empty properties decline the offer of financial
assistance or other renewal options, the Council will consider using its compulsory
purchase powers and the use of Empty Dwelling Management Orders, in order
to bring long-term empty properties back into use.
What can Arun offer?
Arun District Council can offer support to owners, including :
Any empty residence is more than just a home lost to the community -
it is a cost to the owners :
an empty house can represent a loss to the owner of over £5,850 per year.
 
Before.......... this property had stood for empty for over 20 years
and after being completely refurbished
Empty Property Grants
Empty Property Grants are discretionary and are subject to conditions.
 Before |
 After |
 Before |
 After |
works carried out with the asststance of an Empty Homes Grant, to make the
property ready to be let.
You can obtain further information on Empty Property Grants and
Arun District Council's "Empty Homes in Arun" campaign by viewing
or downloading a copy of our Empty Homes in Arun leaflet, or by calling Arun's Empty Homes Officer : Richard Cook on 01903 737692.
To view Arun's Empty Homes Strategy click on the following link : Arun's Empty Homes Strategy
As part of a broader intiative, Arun District Council is working actively on the problem of Empty Homes in co-operation with the other local authorities across East Sussex and West Sussex, through the Sussex Empty Homes Forum.
To view the Sussex Empty Homes Forum Strategic Framework click on this link.
More information on national empty homes issues, statistics and campaigns
can be obtained from the Empty Homes Agency.
'INVESTORS IN ARUN'
Launched at the beginning of 2009, 'INVESTORS IN ARUN' is a database maintained by Arun's Empty Homes Officer, which contains the details of individuals and companies who have expressed an interest in purchasing empty properties with a view to restoring them, either to be let or sold on.
If you are interested in opportunities to acquire empty properties for re-furbishment and you would like your details (or those of your company) to be put on the 'Investors in Arun' database, so that your details are also sent to those owners of empty properties who may be interested in negotiating an agreement - please contact the Empty Homes Officer :
Tel. 01903 737692 or
e-mail: richard.cook@arun.gov.uk
If you either own, or know of a long-term empty property - call us on : 01903 737692, or e-mail :
richard.cook@arun.gov.uk
Performance Report :
Action : To be actively involved in measures which contribute towards bringing
properties back into beneficial use, by sale, letting or re-occupation by owners.
Measurement : The target for 2009 -2010 was 14 units of accommodation, which was beaten by bringing 15 properties back into use through active intervention. | 
