Empty Homes in the Parish - from Jane Somper
Published: 07 December 2025
I know that long-term empty homes can have a real impact on our villages, they can become run-down, attract anti-social behaviour, and are also a wasted housing resource at a time when homes are needed. Your help is needed in looking out for and reporting any properties in the village that appear to be long-term empty. Dorset Council may already be aware of some, but your local knowledge is invaluable in helping them identify and prioritise the ones having the greatest effect on residents.
If parishioners are aware of an empty property, please let Dorset Council (link below) or me know, especially if it’s causing damage to a neighbouring home, or there are concerns about its safety or condition. When reporting, please include as much information as possible about the address and what’s been noticed.
Just a quick note, Dorset Council are not able to take action on:
Once Dorset Council receive a report, they will check whether the property is truly empty. If it’s occupied, no further action will be taken. If it’s confirmed as empty, they will get in touch with the person responsible or take steps to trace them if needed.
Thank you so much for helping if you can, your insight really does make a difference in improving our communities and making better use of our local housing.
Dorset | Dorset Council
Best wishes
Cllr Jane Somper
Beacon Ward