THE owner of a derelict property in Sandown could be forced to sell it to the Isle of Wight Council so that it can be brought back into use.
The council looks set to use compulsory purchase powers to acquire the building on the corner of Fitzroy Street and Station Avenue, which has stood empty for more than a decade.
The premises consist of a number of units and has a current estimated value of £405,000.
In approving the move in principle, Cabinet members said it showed the authority was prepared to get tough to bring long-term vacant properties back into use.
Read more: Council threatens to get tough over eyesore Sandown buildings
Council leader, Dave Stewart, said: "First and foremost we want to support owners to bring empty properties back into use.
"That said, we also want to make best use of available homes on the Island and we want our neighbourhoods to be pleasant places to live.
“For the minority of empty homeowners who knowingly and deliberately leave their properties empty year after year, we will take action.
"In this case, I am extremely grateful to the local member, Cllr Ian Ward, who has worked hard on behalf of the local community to get this matter resolved. It has been a long, long saga.
"We will be looking at other properties around the Island."
Last month, the council issued a notice requiring the owner to carry out repairs to the property which has deteriorated significantly since an arson attack in 2008.
Yesterday (Thursday), Cabinet members agreed in principle to use compulsory purchase powers to acquire the premises and a further report will now be prepared.
The council's Empty Property Strategy, as part of its wider Housing Strategy, targets those homes which have stood empty for more than two years.
House Rules
We do not moderate comments, but we expect readers to adhere to certain rules in the interests of open and accountable debate.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel