• Back to News

• Home Page
• News
• Bringing empty Cotswold homes back into use

Bringing empty Cotswold homes back into use

The Council is already bringing empty homes back into use across the district and, to accelerate this process, they have begun working in partnership with local estate agents, a charity and an architect’s practice to encourage owners to take action which will fill empty properties. 

Commenting on the scheme, Gwen Russell, CDC’s Strategic Housing Manager, said: “In some cases the owner will simply need encouragement and help to market their home, while others may need professional services to repair and renovate a property before it can be lived in again.  Whatever the case, this  partnership of agencies will be able to help.”

The CDC Cabinet lead for Housing and Communities, Cllr Carole Topple, echoed Gwen’s sentiments and also said: “Often these properties have been left empty for long periods, with overgrown gardens and crumbling paintwork, which not only looks an eyesore but can also be a target for vandals.  This can have a negative impact on the value of neighbouring properties and the quality of life for local people. Bringing an empty home back into use is almost always a change for the better.  Most significantly, it provides people with a home, but existing residents and others in the community also benefit from the improvements – they may gain new neighbours and can take satisfaction from seeing derelict buildings restored to their former glory.  The renovation and ongoing maintenance work also provides extra jobs for local people.”  

She added: “Using this new partnership to increase the numbers of empty homes being brought back into use will increase our housing stock for rent, which is much needed at this time.”

If you own an empty home that you would like to make available for somebody to live in, or would just like to know more about this project,  please phone Gwen Russell at Cotswold District Council on 01285 623408, or her colleague Anne Powell on 01285 623247.