Council seeks views on rejuvenating empty homes

Public views are being sought on Orkney Islands Council’s strategy for bringing empty homes back into use.

The draft ‘Empty Homes Strategy 2018-2023’ sets out the ways in which Orkney Islands Council can help Orkney’s empty home owners to bring their properties back into use.

Orkney currently has 303 potential homes currently classed as empty, representing 2.7 per cent of the total number of properties in the area. This places Orkney third nationwide in terms of the highest empty property rates — behind Shetland and Western Isles specifically.

Councillor Rob Crichton, chair of the council’s education, leisure and housing committee, said: “Empty homes represent a significant drain on rural communities, affecting their ability to rejuvenate and grow. They can, however, be utilised to directly counter the issues they once caused.

“An empty home brought back into use as a primary residence represents another family in the community, potentially more children in local schools, and more money spent at local businesses.”

The document is available at http://www.orkney.gov.uk/Council/C/empty-homes-strategy-consultation.htm and is under consultation until Wednesday, October 24, at 5pm.

Any comments should be submitted to Rachael Bowes, Empty Homes Development Officer via email rachael.bowes@orkney.gov.uk.