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Highlighting progress in the NorthWest Empty Homes Sector 5:Burnley Borough Council

  • Empty Homes North West
  • October 20, 2025

Over the past weeks, we have been highlighting councils that have made notable progress or introduced innovative approaches within their Empty Homes departments.

This Week’s Spotlight: Burnley Borough Council

The team at Empty Homes North West are pleased to highlight the important steps taken by Burnley Borough Council’s Empty Homes Team in the last few months Burnley’s Empty Homes Programme: 200+ Properties Revived, More to Come Since its inception in 2004, Burnley’s Empty Homes Programme has successfully acquired and refurbished over 200 long-term vacant properties, with proceeds from property sales reinvested directly into the initiative. This ongoing investment has led to a dramatic reduction in long term empties across the borough — with the current total standing at 678, nearly half the figure recorded at the programme’s peak in 2009. Alongside improving housing availability, the programme has increasingly focused on sustainability. Recent refurbishment projects include the installation of solar panels and energy-efficient upgrades, helping ensure that renovated homes meet modern environmental standards.

Councillor Launer commented on the programme’s success, stating:

“Bringing derelict properties back into use doesn’t just address anti-social behaviour; it provides quality homes for families and contributes to thriving neighbourhoods. Burnley’s efforts are making a real difference for residents and the broader community.”

New Measures Target Problem Properties

The Council’s Executive is expected to approve a fresh round of interventions at an upcoming meeting, reaffirming Burnley’s long-standing commitment to tackling vacant properties and creating safe, high-quality housing.

The latest recommendations focus on properties that have become focal
points for anti-social behaviour and neighbourhood concern, including:

  • 135 Manchester Road, Hapton – vacant since March 2018
  • 49 Grange Street – vacant since March 2020
  • 13 Ash Street – vacant since October 2022
  • 21 Pine Street – vacant since April 2023

All four properties have been flagged for urgent action due to their
deteriorated state and ongoing negative impact on residents and the local
environment.

“Without intervention, these properties would continue to have a negative impact on residents and the local environment. Our measures will transform them into warm, secure and safe homes,” a Council spokesperson added.