New powers to tackle empty shops

We have been given new powers to tackle empty shops and bring more businesses back to the high street as part of the government's High Street Rental Auctions scheme.

The council were among four early adopters of  the scheme which gives local authorities new powers to auction off leases for commercial properties and will stop disengaged landlords sitting on empty lots.

Properties which have been vacant for more than a year could be subject to a High Street Rental Auction if the landlord has not taken sufficient steps to let their premises. However, High Street Rental Auctions will only be applied in exceptional circumstances where there are long term, avoidable issues with vacant properties and efforts to engage with landlords have been unsuccessful.

A community and stakeholder consultation exercise will take place in early 2025 regarding the proposed areas in Darlington where the powers can be applied. 

Cllr Chris McEwan, cabinet member for economy, Darlington Borough Council, said: "The prolonged vacancy of a small number of shops and buildings is a blight on our high street. High Street Rental Auctions will form part of our overall strategy to tackle empty buildings in the town centre and will play a critical role in our efforts to regenerate Darlington. Small businesses are the backbone of our economy and the scheme will create a ‘right to rent’ for businesses and community groups; helping to create a vibrant town scene, which will attract more footfall for local businesses and more jobs for local people."

More information about the scheme is available on the government website