After 30 years – council takes over empty property

Glamorgan Star news 08/09/2026

1 minute read

A COUNTY council in Wales has taken possession of a property that has been empty for 30 years by securing a Compulsory Purchase Order (CPO) to help bring it back into use.

The Neath Road property which has been empty for 30 years. Photo by SRS. — | The Neath Road property which has been
empty for 30 years. *Photo by SRS.*

A spokesperson Bridgend County Borough Council (BCBC) said: “The property on Neath Road, Maesteg, had become a concern for the local community due to its deteriorating condition. Its appearance was also having a negative impact on the surrounding area, which is within a conservation area.

“The council explored all available options to encourage the owner to take action, but after these long-term efforts were unsuccessful, it took steps to gain control of the property using compulsory purchase powers.

“Officers from BCBC and Shared Regulatory Services (SRS) worked in partnership in line with the council’s ‘Empty Property’ strategy. Funding from the Welsh Government’s ‘Transforming Towns’ Empty Property Enforcement Fund also helped secure the CPO.

“The property is now due to be auctioned in October 2026. Once it has been sold, the council will work with the new owner to support the renovation of the property and its return to use.”

Cllr Colin Davies, BCBC cabinet member for Housing and Regeneration, said: “After three decades of deterioration, residents and local councillors have understandably been calling for this property to return to use. I wouldd like to thank officers from the council and SRS for their long-term efforts to engage with the property owner and for securing a CPO after building an extensive case.”

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