CPO to transform empty eyesore into family home

An empty north London property which has been squatted, vandalised and set alight will finally be returned to family use following a Compulsory Purchase Order (CPO) by Islington Council.

The decision, made at a meeting of the council's executive last week means years of anti-social behaviour endured by neighbours in Fonthill Road, will finally come to an end.

The three-storey period mid-terraced family home was last occupied by the co-owner in 2005 but following his admission into care the building was squatted.

Due to the poor condition of the property, the council wrote to the owners in April 2009, requesting they make urgent remedial works.

Since April 2011 the council has been in contact with the owner's children, who were aware the council could ultimately CPO the building to prevent further disrepair.

A fire in the building the same month rendered the premises uninhabitable and the squatters left.
The building was condemned via a council Prohibition Order in July 2011 due to its hazardous condition and in the same month, the family's representative agreed with the council that a CPO should be made.

Cllr James Murray, executive member for housing Islington Council said: "We only seek a CPO as a final resort and after the owner is given every opportunity to carry the work out themselves. The owners have accepted this is the most appropriate course of action.

"The building is an eyesore and cannot be left as a ruin that could attract further anti-social behaviour.

"The council will give the current market value for the property as set by the Valuation Office Agency and one that reflects its current condition.

"We hope a housing association will take it on, and provide much needed affordable social housing for families on Islington's waiting list."

The building's condition was the subject of numerous complaints to the council from local residents, the Stroud Green Residents Group and the Finsbury Park Safer Neighbourhoods Team.

The council's decision must now be confirmed by the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government.

Islington Council is seeking to maximise the number of available properties for social rent in the borough by returning empty properties to use and tackling fraudulent subletting. It has already driven down the number of council voids to an all time low.

It is using £3million per year of its New Homes Bonus to invest in new social housing schemes for overcrowded families on Islington's housing waiting list.