A property in Blandford Forum, which has been empty for some time, is in the process of being renovated to provide homes for local people.

West View was identified by empty homes officers working for Housing Standards at Dorset Council, who track down long term empty properties and work with property owners to turn them into good quality homes. In this case they negotiated the purchase of the property and secured funding to renovate it in 2021.

Builders started work in September 2022 to fully renovate the property creating six much needed single bedroom units of accommodation. Being in a conservation area, the house has been sympathetically modernised. Amongst other work, new timber sash windows have been fitted and enhancements made to the building’s original character, which are in keeping with the other well-kept properties in the area.

West View will become stable accommodation for people within the Dorset Council area.

Cllr Graham Carr-Jones, Dorset Council portfolio holder for Housing and Community Safety said: “I am delighted that the project to renovate and use West View to provide homes is nearing completion. The project team have taken an abandoned, dilapidated, eye sore and turned it into an invaluable home and asset for Blandford. We can all be proud of what we have created here.

“My thanks also go to the neighbours and residents of Blandford for their patience while this much needed work was carried out. We will all now reap the benefits for years to come.

“By purchasing such long-term empty properties like West View, the council will be giving people a breathing space in much needed accommodation, with the support to move on to more permanent homes, as well as using money in a more sustainable way than high-cost bed and breakfast accommodation.”

If you are aware of a long-term empty property which the council could use for much needed accommodation contact the team via www.dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/housing/housing/empty-homes.