Central Bedfordshire Council takes new step to bring empty high street units back into use

Leighton Buzzard News

Central Bedfordshire Council takes new step to bring empty high street units back into use

Central Bedfordshire Council has taken a significant step towards improving town centres by designating key high street areas where new powers could be used to tackle long-term vacant shops and commercial units.

The decision, approved by the Council’s Executive on 17 February, enables the potential future use of High Street Rental Auctions (HSRAs) — a new power introduced by Government to help bring persistently empty properties back into use.

The designation of these areas is the first step in the process and does not mean auctions will automatically take place. Instead, it allows the Council to consider using the powers where properties have been vacant for extended periods and where bringing them back into use would benefit the local community.

High Street Rental Auctions give local authorities the ability to require landlords to rent out long-term empty commercial properties through an open auction process. This creates opportunities for local businesses, community groups and charities to access space on the high street and help increase footfall and activity.

Cllr Steven Watkins, Executive Member for Assets, Business and Housing, said:

“Our high streets are at the heart of our communities, but we know that long-term empty units can have a real impact on their vitality and appeal.

“By designating these areas, we are putting in place the tools we may need to bring vacant properties back into use and support local businesses and community initiatives.

“This is about working proactively with landlords and partners to encourage occupation and investment, and only considering further action where properties have been left empty for a significant period.”

The Council consulted with residents, businesses, town councils and other stakeholders before bringing forward the proposed areas, with feedback helping to shape the final designations.

Experience from other areas suggests that simply introducing these measures can encourage landlords to bring properties back into use voluntarily.

Any future use of High Street Rental Auctions would be considered on a case-by-case basis, following a structured legal process and only where appropriate.

This initiative supports the Council’s wider ambitions to strengthen local economies, support thriving town centres and create vibrant places where people want to live, work and visit.

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