Government gives go ahead to take over eyesore properties

Publication date: Monday 22 February 2010

Two empty and derelict properties which have plagued neighbours and been used for squatting, flytips, abandoning cars and setting fires, will be taken over by the council to be used for social housing.

The large adjacent houses on Philip Lane, N15, have been vacant for almost ten years and are two of five addresses in Haringey that have been approved by Government for Compulsory Purchase Order action.

The other properties are in Carlingford Road N15, Seaford Road N15 and in Tower Gardens N17. These have been vacant for a total of 45 years and are in disrepair. The council's preference is to sell these properties to a Registered Social Landlord, such as a Housing Association, if not they will be sold at an auction.

The council can deal with empty abandoned properties either through taking out a Compulsory Purchase Order or an Enforced Sale action. Haringey Council officers always attempt to work with owners to bring properties back into use and only takes this enforcement action as a last resort.

Cllr John Bevan, Haringey Council Cabinet Member for Housing, Environment and Conservation, said:

"I am so very, very pleased the Government has agreed that we can takeover these properties which are well known eyesores. They have blighted this neighbourhood and been the focal point for anti-social behaviour and criminal activity. I look forward to seeing these properties redeveloped into flats that can provide much needed quality housing for people in Haringey.

"This is a real achievement for the residents living near these eyesores. I wish to publicly thank and place on record my appreciation for all the council staff involved in ensuring the success of the complex procedures successfully used to achieve this result."

The other properties to be compulsorily purchased are:

• Tower Gardens N17, a 3 bed house that had been vacant for 11 years, despite the council's attempts at enforcement action.
• Seaford Road N15, a 3 bed house that had been vacant for 10 years. It has caught fire, been squatted and is a nuisance to the neighbours.
• Carlingford Road N15, a 2 bed room property in disrepair which has been vacant for 15 years.

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