Council to force landlords to rent empty shops

Claire Kavanagh and business partner Jenna Langham

A council in Nottinghamshire is to force landlords to rent out vacant shops in a bid to reduce the number of empty properties on the high street.

Ashfield District Council will use High Street Rental Auction (HSRA) powers to tackle properties which have been vacant for more than a year.

The council said it will use the powers in Hucknall, Kirkby and Sutton-in-Ashfield town centres and on Stanton Hill high street.

The authority approved the measures, which it said were intended to be a "last resort", at a cabinet meeting on Monday.

Ashfield independent councillor Matthew Relf, executive lead member for growth, regeneration and planning, said the powers would "help make high streets vibrant again".

"We have properties that have literally been left for decades and have gone to rack and ruin.

"These powers will allow us to force landlords into agreeing a lease with a business so we can get a tenant back in and more footfall in our town centres," he said.

Broxtowe Borough Council implemented the scheme in Stapleford earlier this year.

Claire Kavanagh opened her salon Be Couture in June with business partner Jenna Langham in one of the properties put up for rent as part of the scheme.

"We looked at other properties but the lack of footfall turned us off.

"We've found Stapleford to be bustling, welcoming and warm. I think it's great that the council is pushing to get shops filled," she said.

'Looking quite sad'

To qualify, the property must have been vacant for at least a year and be suitable to be used as a shop, café, office or community space.

The council will facilitate the auction and will not have a say on which business gets the shop.

Alexandra Marin, who works at Enjoy Café in Sutton-in-Ashfield, said: "The town is looking quite sad to be honest when you see all these shops empty.

"The town will get busier and businesses like us will get more customers."

David Campbell, owner of pet shop Top Pets, which has been in the town for more than 40 years, said: "I think more shops coming into the area is positive and business will get stronger.

"I think if people give Sutton a go, it can be revived."

Shopper Gail Chesterman said the number of empty shops in Sutton-in-Ashfield was "disgusting".

"It's a good idea if the council can do something, it will bring employment to the area. It's sad to see the shops stood empty," she said.