Over 60 empty homes have been brought back into use thanks to £1million from a Cornwall Council scheme.

The council’s empty homes team has been working with owners of long term empty properties by offering advice, help and a loan scheme, focusing on properties which have been empty for a considerable time.

One person to benefit was Terry Gollop, who bought a former residential home in Agar Road, near Redruth, which had been empty for over five years. He obtained planning permission to convert the property into four self-contained flats and completed the work with the help of the loan scheme.

Terry said: “We bought a beautiful house which had been completely vandalised inside. The plan was to restore and turn into four two bedroom flats. It was an expensive conversion and would have been delayed if it were not for the Council and its empty homes initiative. The loan process was very easy and I would recommend it to anyone who is looking to bring an empty property back into use.”

The loans are designed to improve the quality of long term empty properties, and prepare them for occupation. Work agreed by the Council has to meet certain standards, ensuring that properties are free from hazards and provide a quality living environment.

Loans can be used to bring existing dwellings back into use, or to convert other residential or non-residential properties into homes.

Legal charges are placed on the empty properties and the loans repaid either when they are sold or within an agreed timescale after works are completed. There are no monthly repayments to make during the works, which can help owners to manage budgets. Loans can also be made available to help bring back into use properties which are not currently in a mortgageable condition, so that owners can obtain finance to repay loans when the work has been completed.

Councillor Joyce Duffin, Cornwall Council cabinet member for housing and environment said: “Cornwall Council has a wide range of assistance to help bring long term empty properties back into use, and I would encourage owners to contact us so that we can assist wherever possible.

"There are sometimes many obstacles to overcome in bringing empty properties back into use, particularly when they are in serious disrepair, but we can often provide a tailored package of assistance and advice.”

To enquire about a loan or other assistance please contact the Empty Homes Team: Tel: 01726 223600 e-mail: emptyhomes@cornwall.gov.uk Website: www.cornwall.gov.uk/emptyproperties