Owner of long-term empty property in Nelson prosecuted
Published Friday, 28th August 2026
Pendle Borough Council has successfully prosecuted the owner of a long-term empty property in Earl Street, Nelson, after repeated requests to improve its condition were ignored.
This is part of the Council’s ongoing commitment to improving housing standards, tackling neighbourhood decline and bringing vacant homes back into use.
An inspection carried out by the Council’s Empty Homes Officer in December 2025 found the property had fallen into a poor state of repair.
The Council made repeated attempts to engage with the owner and requested that improvement works be carried out.
When these requests were ignored, two formal notices* were served requiring the owner to improve the condition of the property and declare their interest in it.
Despite these measures, follow-up inspections confirmed that the property's condition had not improved.
On Monday 24 August 2026, the owner was prosecuted at Burnley Magistrates’ Court for failing to comply with the notices.
The court imposed a fine of £660, alongside costs of £424.29 and a victim surcharge of £264, bringing the total financial penalty to £1,348.29.
Councillor Asjad Mahmood, Leader of Pendle Borough Council, said: “Bringing empty homes back into use is a key part of our work to create cleaner, safer and more attractive neighbourhoods across Pendle.
"We made every effort to work with the owner to address the issues at this property.
“Unfortunately, our requests and legal notices were ignored, leaving us with no option but to pursue enforcement action through the courts.
"We are now actively exploring further legal action to support a long-term solution and ensure the property is brought back into meaningful use.”
Councillor Mohammad Ammer, Housing, Corporate and Performance Portfolio Holder added: “Empty homes continue to present challenges across Pendle.
"They can become eyesores, attract anti-social behaviour and contribute to the decline of otherwise thriving neighbourhoods.
"At a time when housing demand remains high, it is important that residential properties are not left standing empty and neglected.
"This prosecution demonstrates that we are prepared to take robust enforcement action where property owners fail to meet their responsibilities.
“We will continue to use the powers available to us to bring empty properties back into use and help improve neighbourhoods for residents across Pendle."
Note to editors
*The notices served were Section 215 Notice under the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 requiring works to improve the condition of the property, and a notice under Section 16 of the Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1976 requiring the owner to declare their interest in the premises.