The owners of a historic house in Brighton have been ordered to repair it, clean it and tidy up their overgrown gardens.
Brighton and Hove City Council officials served the owners of the home in Stanford Avenue with an enforcement notice after concerns were expressed about the state of the property.
Officers from the council’s Empty Property Team identified the property through the Empty Property Enforcement Group.
The group brings together teams from different areas of the council to tackle properties that have fallen into disrepair and bring them back into use.
The planning enforcement team agreed to serve a notice on owners Mary Smalley and David Barter.
The notice requires them to repair the outside of the property, wash down and repaint it and clear up the front and back gardens.
The action is part of the council’s commitment to improving the character and appearance of its residential areas.
Stanford Avenue is in the historic Preston Park conservation area and houses there date from the 19th century.
The council said: “They are particularly decorative, with red brickwork complemented by decorative cornerstones and pillars around the bay windows.
“Many houses, including this one, also have attractive tiled front paths.”
In tandem with planning enforcement officials, the Empty Property Team is also working with the owners to bring the property back into use as a home.
Councillor Lynda Hyde, chairman of the council’s planning committee, said: “It is sad to see such a lovely house so uncared for and empty when there is such a housing need in this city.
“I am pleased that this action is being taken.
“Experience has shown that this type of action frequently results in owners dealing with the wasted resource that their empty property represents.”
Nyone concerned about an empty property can contact the Empty Property Team on 01273 293297 or 293035 or email housing.strategy@brighton-hove.gov.uk.
I’m so curious!
Do they own it, but can afford to just not live there?
The time has come for BHCC to now demand (with an enforcement notice) that Sirus Taghan restores and makes good Medina House on Kings Esplanade in Hove. He has owned it for a dozen years, smashed out the baths and put in a whole slew of worthless planning applications. Sort it or sell it to someone who will restore it!