Call for empty buildings to be turned into homes to tackle housing crisis

Empty houses and commercial space in Bristol could be turned into homes under proposals going before full council.

Green councillor Tony Dyer is calling on the mayor and council to do more to maximise the supply of housing from existing buildings and council-owned land as part of measures to tackle the city’s housing crisis.

The motion, which will be debated at a full council meeting on Tuesday, comes as some 21,000 families are currently on the waiting list for homes in Bristol and an estimated 3,224 people experienced some kind of homelessness on any given night in 2023, according to Shelter. This is an increase of more than 600 people since 2022.

Dyer, who is a Green councillor for Southville, argues we can’t afford to wait for central government to take action. He is calling for Marvin Rees to establish a redundant buildings task force to work alongside the existing empty homes team to identify opportunities for converting unviable office and retail buildings into homes.

There were almost 400 council homes empty at any one time in Bristol between 2022 and 2023, while more than 5,000 dwellings – mostly in private ownership – stand vacant, according to figures from October. Almost 2,000 have been unoccupied for six months or more.

The Green motion states Bristol is home to an estimated 185,999 square feet of long-term empty retail space, according to Savills estate agents, who predict the amount of excess units nationwide to double by 2030.

Tony Dyer is calling on the mayor and council to do more to maximise the supply of housing from existing buildings and council-owned land as part of measures to tackle the city’s housing crisis – photo: Ellie Pipe

“Maximising the supply of affordable housing, especially social housing, is in everyone’s best interests,” says Dyer.

“The new Local Plan identifies sites for new developments in the next 15 years. However, we must also be identifying existing buildings that are no longer used and can be brought back into use as homes, while also delivering the backlog of 13,500 unbuilt homes that already have planning permission.

“Bristol City Council already has a small empty homes team, which has been highlighted by the Local Government Association as an example of good practice.

“Part of this motion seeks to expand their role and remit. It also looks at working with developers and owners of unviable retail space and offices to increase the supply of housing.

“The council must also make best use of our own land, which the council holds in stewardship for all Bristolians, to maximise the delivery of both affordable housing and social value. This should be done not just for a quick financial fix but also for the long-term future of the city.”

The motion also calls for the mayor and council to:

• Establish a dedicated team to identify stalled sites with planning permission in order to increase the proportion being brought forward for delivery.
• Protect council-owned land and assets as publicly-owned assets, ensuring that when they are put forward for redevelopment, it is with a commitment to retaining council ownership where possible.
• Consider if there is the potential to increase the proportion of housing delivered via community-led schemes on council-owned land or property.

Carla Denyer, the Green Party co-leader and a councillor for Clifton Down, will second the motion. Speaking ahead of Tuesday’s meeting, she said: “This motion demonstrates that there are measures that can be implemented right now to tackle the housing crisis and the climate crisis, both of which are important to the people of Bristol.”

Main photo: Mia Vines Booth

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