New powers on dilapidated buildings have ‘potential to transform neighbourhoods'

Legislation that will give councils new powers to act on dilapidated buildings has the 'potential to transform neighbourhoods'. MLAs passed the Bill in the Assembly on Tuesday, and it is now awaiting Royal Assent. Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs Minister Andrew Muir said his Bill will ensure councils have enforcement powers to tackle dilapidated and dangerous buildings and neglected sites. These will include enforcement notices to require owners, occupiers and others with a relevant interest to take appropriate remedial action to deal with dilapidation and neglect or allow the council to take such action itself and recover its costs from the relevant person. Mr Muir said it is now up to councils to drive changes in their communities. 'People in Northern Ireland deserve to have pride in their local area and to see their high streets thriving with shops, restaurants and a variety of businesses, instead of being blighted by run-down buildings and dilapidation,' he said. 'With the passing of this Bill, we are marking a potentially transformative moment for our neighbourhoods as we enhance the ability of councils to tackle dilapidation wherever it occurs. 'It is now up to councils to drive change in their communities and utilise these powers on the ground.' He added: 'I am extremely proud of this legislation and look forward to it playing a role in supporting our local economy delivering more vibrant neighbourhoods.' Sinn Féin MLA Aoife Finnegan welcomed the passing of the Bill, saying communities have 'waited for far too long for meaningful action in this area'. 'We have seen great examples recently in the Belfast Fleadh, where a number of dilapidated buildings and sites were used as pop-up entertainment venues and helped transform the city centre,' she said. 'If it can be implemented correctly, this Bill has the potential to improve our streets, not only in appearance but by making them safer, eliminating elements of anti-social behaviour and instead, regenerating sites that will attract businesses, visitors and investment and help increase surrounding property values.' UUP MLA Diana Armstrong also welcomed the Bill but emphasised the importance of funding the new legislation. 'There is not a person in Northern Ireland who cannot picture a building near them that has been left to rot,' she said. 'This Bill gives councils a modern and consistent framework to deal with that. 'My one concern though is that powers without resources achieve nothing. 'Councils will need the money, the staff and the expertise to use this legislation. I would urge the minister to bring forward a funding programme so that this Bill delivers on the ground rather than sitting on a shelf.'