Owners to lose grotty home

By Richard Marsden
A GROTTY home deemed unfit for human habitation is to be taken away from its owners after they ignored notices to make improvements.
Sheffield Council has applied for a compulsory purchase order to buy the property in Burngreave Road, Burngreave, and bring it back into use.

It has been empty since 2005.

The city faces a chronic shortage of family accommodation – yet the house has been left dilapidated, in need of extensive repairs and its grounds strewn with rubbish.

The condition of the property is also starting to cause problems for the neighbours, Sheffield Council say.

Coun Bob McCann, cabinet member for housing, said: "We have tried to work with the owner to carry out the necessary improvements but sadly we have had no success.

"The condition of the property is having an adverse effect on the house next door and to the area in general, and this is something we will not tolerate. This is why we are looking at a Compulsory Purchase Order on this property."

He added the owner would be compensated for the property and receive the market value for the house.

The Compulsory Purchase Order will be considered for approval later in the year.

Sheffield Council added that if it successfully takes on the property, it aims to transfer it to a registered social landlord, such as a housing association, for it to be renovated and re-occupied.

burngreave rd says enough for me

yes not one of the best places

I find it bizarre that the councils everywhere grant building permits to companies who want to built houses, more so on a land that could have been turned into a woods, huge playground for kids or just natural reserve, especially if you look that bit further there are hundreds of houses that are standing empty.