Five Grimsby houses which have been left for several years in an unsightly state of disrepair are to be sold on the open market after North East Lincolnshire Council obtained them using Compulsory Purchase Orders.

The properties, on Ainslie Street, Highfield Avenue and Lambert Road, Grimsby, will become the possession of the council on March 1 this year, after which time they will be sold to homebuyers or investors for renovation.

The council took action following several attempts to negotiate with the owner of these properties to have them refurbished to make them habitable once more. Negotiations with owners of other properties in a similar state of disrepair have been successful, and in 2009 three former vacant eyesore properties in Park ward were returned to housing use with the council’s help.

However, properties at 86 and 90 Ainslie Street, 34 and 35 Highfield Avenue and 98 Lambert Road remained untouched despite the support being offered, and the council began proceedings to force their return to the housing market.

Through the council’s Empty Homes Strategy, the council applied to the Secretary of State for five Compulsory Purchase Orders in June 2008. A public inquiry in July 2009 saw support for the CPOs from several members of the public, with objections from the owner of the properties. Following confirmation of the orders the council made a General Vesting Declaration on February 1 this year the effect of which means the council can enter and take possession of the properties.

For those who purchase the properties, financial assistance may be available from the council in relation to the cost of repairing them.

Councillor Geoff Lowis, portfolio holder for regeneration and strategic housing, said: “I’m very pleased to see the end of a long legal process and I now look forward to these eyesore properties being renovated and occupied. Tackling dereliction is a priority for the council and we have committed extra funds in next year’s budget to continue this good work.”

Anybody requiring advice about an empty property can do so by contacting the council’s Empty Homes Officer at Strategic Housing, Private Sector Renewal, St James’ House, St James’ Square, Grimsby, DN31 1EP. Alternatively, you can call (01472) 324749 or email privatesectorhousing@nelincs.gov.uk.