List of long-term empty residential/commercial properties

The request was refused by Lancaster City Council.

Dear Lancaster City Council,

I am looking for a list of long-term empty,privately and council owned,residential and commercial properties.
Would you be able to supply me with this under the freedom of information act.
A spreadsheet will suffice,I require no personal information,simply the property address.

Yours faithfully,

K M Leahy

FOIresponse, Lancaster City Council

Dear KM Leahy

 

Thank you for your request for “a list of long-term empty, privately and
council owned, residential and commercial properties.”

 

The Council considers this information to be exempt under Section 31 of
the Act – Law Enforcement. The exemption applied is Section 31(1) (a) –
the prevention of crime.

 

This applies because disclosing details of empty domestic properties to
the general public would be likely prejudice the prevention of crime.  We
consider that placing this information in the public domain would increase
the risk of vandalism, theft, criminal damage, unlawful occupation and
other crimes to the properties.

 

While it is in the public interest to be transparent and make information
available to the public; we consider that the public interest in
maintaining the exemption outweighs the public interest in disclosure.

 

We have noted the decision dated 22 January 2013 re: Camden Borough
Council. (Case No: EA/2011/0007, Voyias v. London borough of Camden).

 

If you are not happy with this response please contact me in the first
instance.  If you are still not satisfied you have the right to ask for an
internal review of the decision.  This will be dealt with by the Head of
Governance.  If your appeal is not resolved you would then have the
further right to appeal to the Information Commissioner for an independent
review.

 

Information Management Officer

Lancaster City Council

Lancaster LA1 1PJ

 

 

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References

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