A Maesteg property that has been empty for 30 years is set to be given a new lease of life after Bridgend County Borough Council was successful in securing a Compulsory Purchase Order (CPO) to help bring it back into use.
The property on Neath Road had become a concern for the local community due to its deteriorating condition, reports of rodent activity and concerns that people could gain unauthorised access. 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 Bridgend County Borough Council and Shared Regulatory Services worked in partnership to bring the property back into use in line with the council’s Empty Property strategy. Funding from the Welsh Government’s Transforming Towns Empty Property Enforcement Fund also helped support the work involved in securing 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.
“Bringing long-term empty properties back into use is an important part of our work to improve local communities while also making the best use of existing homes. “After three decades of deterioration and remaining empty, residents and local councillors have understandably been calling for this property to return to use. I’d like to thank officers from the council and Shared Regulatory Services for their long-term efforts to engage with the property owner and for securing a Compulsory Purchase Order after building an extensive case. “We are now looking forward to working with the future owner to help bring this home back into use.”
