Rebecca Harris
Main Page: Rebecca Harris (Conservative - Castle Point)
David Rutley (Macclesfield) (Con)
3. What steps he is taking to bring empty buildings back into use.
Rebecca Harris (Castle Point) (Con)
5. What steps he is taking to bring empty buildings back into use.
Karen Lumley (Redditch) (Con)
13. What steps he is taking to bring empty buildings back into use.
Mr Foster
I congratulate my hon. Friend and his local council on the work they are doing to bring empty properties back into use. A reduction of 33% in empty homes since 2010 is a great achievement. He is right—tackling empty spaces above shops will certainly contribute to regenerating town centres. Two weeks ago I announced £450,000 in grant for his council area, and I hope this will help.
Rebecca Harris
I congratulate the Minister on what he is offering to help bring empty properties back into use, but in Castle Point we also have a notable number of derelict smaller sites. What advice or support can the Government give to help councils bring forward these sites as well?
Mr Foster
I congratulate my hon. Friend on her successful defence of the local green belt, and her council on a 23% reduction in empty commercial properties. She is right that we need to see small derelict plots developed before there is encroachment on the green belt, and I am confident that together with the vigorous use of existing council powers, the new permitted development rights and the community right to reclaim land will help her achieve that objective.