Agenda item

There will be an update on work being done on derelict buildings in the area.

Sarbjit Singh, Team Leader, Planning was present to talk about derelict buildings and an action plan arising from a Member’s patchwalk in the area was circulated.

The action plan was considered and the following discussion took place:

·         Fiveways House – It was noted that there was scaffolding located on the site which was raising concern. Residents were informed that the owners had stated they would be starting work in March however the Council would be contacting them again. The current plan was to encourage the owners to carry out work on the site rather than carry out enforcement action which would take up resources and could be lengthy. It was also noted that the City Mayor had stated the building needed to be sorted.

It was suggested that residents who lived nearby be kept informed of developments about the building. Concern was raised that it was a struggle to keep the building secure however owners were taking a while to respond to this issue. It was agreed this would be raised with the Conservation Officer responsible for the site.

·         Derelict Church – It was noted that planning applications for the site had expired and no other proposals were currently forthcoming. It was aimed to prevent fly tipping. It was also explained a fence had been installed on the site however a panel from this had been removed. The owners of the site had been written to, so that work could be done without the need for formal action. It was explained that the Council could enforce action however the owners had been co-operative in the past. Concern was raised that there seemed to be an acceptance to leave situations as they were. Sarbjit stated that the sites mentioned were in private ownership and unless there was a scheme created, there was little that could be done. There were options such as Compulsory Purchase Orders (CPOs) however these were only used in exceptional circumstances. It was reiterated that buildings left empty and in these conditions were not good for the community.

·         Empire Pub – It was explained that a planning application had been granted for the site and while one was being considered, another one could not be submitted. Residents were informed that possible reasons why developers were not going through with applications, was that banks were not lending money. A resident stated that it was important to tie the properties to the community to make the area attractive. Sarbjit explained that when there were planning applications, these were decided on their merits however enforcement plans were not as strong.

·         Factories, Repton Street/Rugby Street – It was explained that officers had met with the architect asking what needed to be submitted. It was also noted that the agents had been contacted however however the land registry may need to be checked to clarify who owned the building.

·         Potential beneficial use of blue cladding building on Balfour Street, adjacent to Fosse Primary School – It was explained that the building belonged to a school however was currently being used as a gym. A query was raised concern how much of the building was used and it was stated that perhaps more of the building could be used if it already was not so.

·         Planters by former Premier Screw – it was stated that the current situation with this site needed to be clarified.

A query was raised with regard to whether council tax was paid for empty buildings. It was agreed that an answer to this would be sought.