Council may use purchase powers to take over ‘eyesore’ property

A North East council is looking to use compulsory purchase powers to rid an area of an ‘eyesore’ property.

North Tyneside Council is exploring to use the powers to acquire a former care home in Seaton Court, Whitley Bay.

The property has sat empty for more than three years and fallen into disrepair. 

The council says the building has been tied up in probate, due to unresolved ownership issues, but that it has received so many complaints about its condition – including reports of vermin and possible squatters – that it must act.

Whitley Bay councillor Helen Bell, who has been identifying empty properties, welcomed the move, saying: “Seaton Court has been an eyesore and potential hazard for far too long.

“Since I was elected in May I have been asking the council about the property which has been in probate for years.

“It would be fantastic to see it developed, ideally for social housing. South Parade has been transformed overall and this would bring the whole street up to a decent standard.”

The council – which would like to turn the site into new homes – says attempts to enter the property for surveys have so far failed, preventing it from assessing whether the building can be refurbished or should be demolished.

Seaton Court is one of three sites being considered for intervention, alongside Stanton Lodge in Shiremoor and fire-damaged buildings on Nile Street in North Shields, using grant funding provided by North East Mayor Kim McGuiness.