First policy for derelict sites

The first Derelict and Untidy Sites Policy has been drafted for South Holland District Council.

The document, to go before members of the council’s cabinet next week, covers guidance and examples of legislation to help the problem.
“The recommended policy is founded on having an informative, meaningful, consistent and flexible approach to deal with derelict and untidy sites to complement traditional enforcement action,” says the report which will be discussed.
Officers have been working with members of the council to develop the policy which covers a wide range of matters.
“This policy is the first of its kind for South Holland District Council. It sets out what measures are open to it to seek to deal with predominantly commercial sites where the actions, or inactions, of landowners lead to sites becoming derelict or untidy,” the report says.
But it warns that steps involving the council stepping in with compulsory purchase orders would be a last resort when all other options have failed.
The new policy could also be rolled-out to partner councils Boston Borough and East Lindsey.
The subject was mooted as far back as 2017 when the council considered a series of recommendations relating to the ‘Pride in South Holland’ programme.
But some long-standing problem buildings, including the former Bull & Monkie pub and the old Johnson Hospital, remain in Spalding.
The new document says the council will engage proactively with owners of sites and provide ‘advice and guidance’.
If a building or area is consistently being reported then the council will ‘ramp up’ the process.
The council will also seek to recover any costs incurred in undertaking remedial work where required.
Members of the cabinet are recommended to approve the draft document.
“Nationally there is a dearth of such policies, most tending to concentrate on enforcement,” says the report submitted with the draft policy.