Empty Manchester properties could become affordable homes

Trafford Council is looking for feedback from local residents on a proposal to convert homes in Trafford into affordable homes, under an initiative called the Empty Property Strategy.

There are over 1,000 properties in Trafford which have been vacant for over six months and the council plans to make use of the properties by transforming them into affordable homes.

The council wants to work in conjunction with Housing Associations and social enterprise schemes to convert homes that are in poor condition.

Executive Councillor Mike Cornes commented: "Empty homes are wasteful both because of financial expense and missed opportunity. They negatively impact upon the local community, attracting vandals and vermin and tying up the resources of local authorities, police, and fire emergency services.

"Bringing empty properties back into use is a sustainable way to help meet current and future housing demand and helps to alleviate pressure on housing supply in the borough.

"Early intervention will result in minimal cost to the owner; however, once a property suffers significant damage the cost can be overwhelming.

"We want to hear from any residents who have experienced the problem empty properties can cause to a neighbourhood, those who know of empty properties that we may not have been aware of and also those own empty properties and need help to bring them back into use."