Date: 05/03/2007
Laura Kirk has been appointed Empty Property Officer for Derbyshire Dales District Council and High Peak Borough Council.
Previously, Laura worked as a Homelessness Officer for Derbyshire Dales and recognises the high demand for housing in both areas.
The housing market has reached a point where many people are unable to buy, but wish to remain in the area where they have lived all their lives.
There are many empty properties across the two districts. If properties are left empty for a long time, their condition deteriorates and they can become an eyesore and an environmental health concern for the neighbourhood.
To bring empty properties back into use, Derbyshire Dales and High Peak have formed a partnership with Nottingham Community Housing Association and High Peak Community Housing, and are working together to introduce options, such as leasing schemes, where the Housing Associations will manage properties on behalf of the owner.
Laura says: "I am really looking forward to working across Derbyshire Dales and the High Peak and working alongside the Housing Associations. My role involves identifying empty properties and assisting owners to bring them back into use.
"There are so many properties just stood empty, it's such a shame that they are left to deteriorate. Bringing empty properties back into use also means that fewer valuable green-field sites are required for development."
The Empty Property Officer"s post is funded by the Regional Housing Board, Derbyshire Dales District Council, High Peak Borough Council and Nottingham Community Housing.
If you have an empty property, or know of one in your area, contact Laura on 01629 761308.