Property and Assets and Buildings

The request was partially successful.

Dear Organisation,

I would like to know a full list of Vacant Properties held by your organisation and any of its subsidiaries.

If possible their market value for sale or to let, whether they would be considered for a community asset transfer, if not then whether they are for sale or to let. In a clear and easy to read format. It would be supportive if the property is for sale or to let that it is listed on here too: https://e-pims.cabinetoffice.gov.uk/gove... and that you inform us of this intention or such listing in the request.

In the previous case in Voyias v IC and LB Camden (EA/201v1/0007), the requesters asked for substantially similar information, and the judge favoured disclosure. I appreciate the circumstances here are quite different, but the same principles should apply.

I understand there is a risk that your empty properties would be targeted by squatters should this the list of empty properties be public, but this is a very slim risk. The prejudice to law enforcement should be real, likely and substantial, as per Hogan v the ICO and Oxford City Council. I can assure you that my request is not sent in order to cause trouble for the authority, it is predominantly for my own research, with publication as part of campaigning materials. I am concerned at the sale of public assets, not a not an advocate for their illegal occupation. I would also say that I cannot imagine the disclosure of this list of properties to significantly affect a squatting problem that pre-existed my interest in the organisation. Overall the prejudice to law enforcement is very slim, and not severe. Since 12 months will be the time that this information will be released onto this site, unless others request this information separately. The requester is not liable for any issues that may arise in between or after.

It is in the public interest and transparency that this information is made publicly available under the public sector duty under the equality act allowing people to know of this information and make use of it under the Community Asset Transfer scheme and under the Human Rights Act Article 11 enabling the community to gather and make decisions on the allocation of such assets.

Yours faithfully,

Viran Patel

FOI, Burnley Borough Council

Thank you for your enquiry. Your enquiry will now be assigned to the
relevant service unit, for an officer to respond directly to you.
 
Burnley Borough Council
Town Hall
Manchester Road
Burnley
BB11 9SA

FOI, Burnley Borough Council

Dear Viran,

Please see response below to your recent Freedom Of Information request.

So far as I can recall we have excluding houses purchased for clearance or refurbishment are, Kierby Walk former pharmacy, Queens Park Lodge (under offer), Padiham Town Hall Offices & Nicholas Street Offices. Kibble Bank Community Centre. None would be considered for a community asset transfer except Kibble Bank where it has been considered but rejected due to a lack of demand and the condition of the prefabricated building.

Regards,

Claudia Wilcock
Governance, Law & Regulation
Town Hall, Manchester Road
Burnley BB11 9SA
Tel: 01282 425011

You may, if dissatisfied with the treatment of your request, ask the council to conduct a review of its decision under the council's complaints procedure. The review will be carried out by someone who has not been involved in dealing with your request for information. Please e-mail or write if you would like a review.
If, following the review, you remain dissatisfied with the council's treatment of your request then you may take your complaint to the Information Commissioner at Wycliffe House, Water Lane, Wilmslow, Cheshire SK9 5AF.

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