Seven properties in Merthyr Tydfil that have been vacant for more than ten years are now classified as a significant safety concern. A report presented to the council’s Thriving scrutiny committee on June 16 reveals that all buildings empty for over a decade underwent risk assessment in December 2024, with a commitment to evaluate the remaining ones by March 31, 2027.
Properties identified as high risk
From the group of long-term empty properties, seven were flagged as high risk. These are distributed across the town: three in the Park ward, one in Plymouth ward, one in Gurnos, one in Dowlais and Pant, and one in Treharris.
Action taken on each property
The report details the specific measures being implemented for each site:
- Property 1: The owner was contacted and informed about VAT reliefs. They stated the property is being renovated for rental purposes.
- Property 2: The owner has submitted a planning application to renovate the property and develop additional units within the grounds.
- Property 3: A notice was served under the Prevention of Damage by Pests Act 1949. Non-compliance led to works being carried out by default, and the next step is to initiate an enforced sale.
- Property 4: Demolition costs exceed the land value, making it currently unviable. Inquiries with internal services and housing associations for redevelopment or grant support have yielded no interest due to high costs.
- Property 5: The property is now occupied.
- Property 6: No action is possible at this time; there are no contact details for the owner and no enforcement options available.
- Property 7: Enforcement was taken against the previous owner, who was introduced to a local developer. The developer purchased the property and began renovation. Exterior works are complete, but the property remains empty.
Complex cases and ongoing efforts
The report acknowledges that these high-risk cases are often complex and resource-intensive. Although the council lacks dedicated resources solely for this strategy, progress continues. During the 2025-26 financial year, all properties empty for more than five years (89 in total) were risk-assessed, leading to the identification of four additional high-risk properties. An action plan will be developed for each of these. Properties empty for between two and five years are scheduled for assessment in 2026-27.
