Inventing our future Collective action for a sustainable economy

6.41 Policy SS11 in the East of England Plan identifies priority areas for regeneration ‘to secure
sustainable economic, social and environmental development across the whole of the East of
England.‘ It identifies areas with weak economic performance and high deprivation with examples.
Priority areas are concentrated on some of the larger urban areas and on the more peripheral
north and east of the Region. Local Development Documents will set out the local policies to deal
with these problems.
6.42 EEDA is supporting renewal projects via a ‘master-planning‘ process in Great Yarmouth, Lowestoft,
Stevenage, Peterborough, King’s Lynn, Ipswich, Luton, Bedford, Harlow, Basildon, Chelmsford and
Felixstowe.
6.43 A final but very important point is that regeneration, particularly when it includes rehabilitation of
existing dwellings or change of use, contributes significantly to the ‘previously developed land‘
target. 17
6.44 The EERA/RHB must ensure that investment for regeneration can underpin Policy SS11 in
the draft East of England Plan, and that housing investment can play its part alongside
other funding for regeneration activities.
6.45 RHS should ensure that ‘green space‘ has a place in plans to improve liveability of areas
in developing recommendations on design and quality for existing neighbourhoods.
Empty and unoccupied housing space
6.46 Unoccupied household space includes second residences/ holiday accommodation as well as
vacant household space.
6.47 Second residences and holiday accommodation are understandably a feature of the Region’s
coastal areas, with the heaviest concentration in North Norfolk. Whilst they may represent an
under-use of the Region’s housing stock, they are also likely to be fundamental to the local
economy via the tourist trade.
6.48 Vacant household space includes ‘unoccupied household space‘ and relates to empty homes, but
there is also an issue with ‘under-occupation‘. Very often, ‘under-occupation‘ will be a function of
older people remaining in the family home when children have left.
6.49 Poor quality environments are also associated with increased fear of crime. Empty and/or boarded
up homes are a wasted resource, but can also be an ‘advertisement‘ for neighbourhood decline.
Empty properties remaining empty for more than six months should be tackled as a priority to
avoid declining neighbourhoods.
6.50 Bringing empty homes back into use will not only provide homes but contribute, albeit in a small
way, to the targets regarding previously developed land and buildings.
6.51 The 2004 Housing Act has enabled local authorities to secure occupation of long-term empty
private sector homes by applying to make ‘Empty Dwelling Management Orders’. The legislation
operates alongside existing procedures by providing a back up to voluntary leasing arrangements
and an alternative to enforcement action under other legislation.
6.52 Local authorities should consider whether any additional income from council tax
charges on empty homes can be recycled into bringing more empty homes into use.
17 The Government has set a target of 60% of development to be on previously developed land.
Regional Housing Strategy for the East of England: 2005–2010
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