A new service is to be established to tackle problems across Neath Port Talbot caused by non-residential or commercial properties which are either empty or derelict.
Neath Port Talbot Council’s Cabinet agreed to fund two new Environmental Health Team posts to operate the service at their meeting on Wednesday, March 19th, 2025.
The two new officers, when recruited, will be incorporated into the Housing and Community arm of the General Environmental Health Service, with the focus of the posts being to specifically deal with empty non-residential / commercial properties – both proactive and reactive enforcement work.
The Cabinet heard the Environmental Health Team was under increasing pressure due to a wide range of issues and, as a result, dealing with empty residential properties has been given priority over enforcement action regarding non-residential/commercial properties.
These pressures include new laws which have seen private rented housing inspections soaring, poor housing conditions linked to the cost of living crisis in which landlords are unable to afford and manage repairs, and calls for help over noise and statutory nuisance issues.
Also, public demand for enforcement regarding empty residential properties is significant. The service is currently operating a priority-based system for residential properties with a waiting list having developed made up of derelict and unsightly properties requiring targeted action.
Despite the growing pressures, enforcement officers continue to achieve positive results in bringing back into use long-term empty residential properties, but they are working at capacity and operate a prioritisation system based on ‘community impact’, ‘length of time empty’ and ‘any risks to direct neighbours’.
The new service dealing with non-residential/commercial properties is also likely to have to use a prioritisation system due to the level of demand.
The council’s Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Housing and Community Safety, Cllr Alun Llewelyn, said: “Empty non-residential and or commercial properties can pose health and safety risks and other issues including anti-social behaviour, fire setting and substance misuse.
“Tackling the problems caused by these properties, as well having benefits for our communities, also ties in with our broader regeneration strategies for our towns, valleys and villages. Doing nothing is not an option.”
Cllr Cen Phillips, Cabinet Member for Nature, Tourism and Wellbeing, added: “I’m extremely pleased we’ve been able to raise a budget for these new posts and it’s important we begin addressing as soon as possible the problems associated with those commercial or non-residential buildings which are blighting our communities in Neath Port Talbot.”
