Central Bedfordshire Council approved a decision on 17th February to enable the future use of High Street Rental Auctions (HSRAs) to bring consistently empty retail units back into use.
The new power was introduced by Government and is aimed at improving town centres by tackling long-term vacancies in shops and commercial units. The first step in the process is to designate ‘key high street areas’ where these new powers could be used.
The news does not mean that auctions will take place automatically. It means the Council may consider using the aforementioned powers where properties have long been vacant and ‘where bringing them back into use would benefit the local community’.
HSRAs permit local authorities to require landlords to rent out commercial properties which have been vacant for a prolonged period, via an open auction process. The overarching idea is that the increased use of high street units will encourage a revitalisation of town centres and provide opportunities for community groups, local businesses and charities.
Councillor Steve Watkins, executive member for assets, business and housing, said: “Our high streets are at the heart of our communities, but we know that long-term empty units can have a real impact on their vitality and appeal.
“By designating these areas, we are putting in place the tools we may need to bring vacant properties back into use and support local businesses and community initiatives. This is about working proactively with landlords and partners to encourage occupation and investment, and only considering further action where properties have been left empty for a significant period.”
The Council notes that in other regions, the mere introduction of HSRA powers has incentivised landlords to voluntarily return their properties to use. Although, the Council were keen to state that HSRA powers would be ‘considered on a case-by-case basis, following a structured legal process and only where appropriate’.
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