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Government creates ‘Right to Regenerate’ in bid to turn derelict buildings into homes
Members of the public will be given new powers to require councils and the public sector to sell unused land and assets as part of a new ‘Right to Regenerate’ being introduced by the government.
As part of the proposals being announced by housing secretary Robert Jenrick today, members of the public will be able to submit requests for unused public land or buildings to be sold.
If the land or buildings are determined to be underused with no plans to bring them into use, it would then be sold and the person making the request would be given first right of refusal to purchase.
The government said these proposals will make it easier for individuals or communities to make better use of public land and give a new lease of life to unused buildings.
Publicly owned social housing and garages would be subject to the Right to Regenerate. Latest figures show there were more than 25,000 vacant council-owned homes and more than 100,000 empty council-owned garages last year.
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The proposals are an extension of the ‘Right to Contest’, which was introduced in 2014 and gives the public the power to request the sale of underused public land.
Under the current rules, those who request the sale of public land are not given a right of first refusal, which the government said disincentives people from making requests.
Since 2014, only 192 requests have been made under this power and only one has been granted, with the majority of requests being rejected because the owner had future plans for the land.
In a bid to strengthen the powers, the government is also proposing the introduction of a new definition of unused or underused land.
A consultation on the proposals opens today and will close on 13 March.
Mr Jenrick said: “Right to Regenerate is the simple way to turn public land into public good, with land sold by default, unless there is a very compelling reason not to do so.
“We are cutting through red tape so that communities can make better use of available land and derelict buildings, which means more new homes, businesses and community assets.
“Millions of people will now be able to buy that empty property, unused garage or parcel of land and turn it into something good for them and their community.”
Tom Chance, chief executive of the National Community Land Trust Network, said: “We welcome these plans that could help communities to turn abandoned and neglected land and buildings into fantastic community assets.
“There are hundreds of community land trusts across the country wanting to build much-needed affordable housing, but getting hold of land at an affordable price is a huge barrier.
“The potential for communities to be given first right of refusal could be a game changer. We encourage everyone to read through the proposals and respond to the consultation.”
Ian Harvey, executive director of Civic Voice, said: “Across the country, communities see land that remains empty and wonder why. They imagine how it could be used for communities, from green space to housing, but when they enquire about enhancing the space it’s never clear who owns it.
“If a community has a viable use for this land, they must be given the opportunity to take these ideas forward.
“The Right to Regenerate is a great step forward to build on previous attempts at doing this and we believe it will increase the chance for communities to come together to bring vacant land into the heart of the community.
“We look forward to working with communities on this latest community right.”
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