Empty and derelict properties
On 29 March 2023, members agreed changes to the Council’s constitution and scheme of delegation.
The new scheme will be applied to applications with a Statutory Start Date of 30 March 2023 or later. The changes are:
- 10 or more objections will be required to trigger a planning committee meeting
- A scheme with an amenity society objection will be referred to a Chairs’ Review meeting
We work to bring empty properties back into use and take enforcement action when empty properties fall into disrepair or cause problems for the local community.
Report an empty property
You can report an empty property by calling 020 8314 6622 or emailing housingassistance@lewisham.gov.uk.
Bring your empty property back into use
If you own an empty or derelict property, contact us and we can help you bring it back into use through loans, grants and VAT reductions. We can also help you find tenants to rent your property to.
Owning a property carries duties and obligations. Property owners who allow their empty property to fall into disrepair or attract litter and anti-social behaviour will face enforcement action.
Finding empty property owners
The vast majority of empty properties are privately owned. You can check the ownership of a property at the Land Registry website.