A house in Sudbury purchased by Brent Council for £530,000 in April 2023 remains unoccupied more than three years later, despite the council saying in January that it was “ready to let.” The property, split into two flats on Station Approach, is still “boarded up with dumped rubbish piling up,” according to ward councillor Cllr Paul Lorber, who has accused the council of being “uncaring and incompetent.”
Three setbacks delay occupancy
The council bought the terraced house near Sudbury Town station through one of its property companies tasked with acquiring homes to address the borough’s housing crisis. The aim was to reduce reliance on expensive temporary accommodation. However, the property faced three separate setbacks: a “complex and time-consuming” refurbishment, flood damage requiring further repairs, and additional damage caused by squatters.
In January, the council told the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS) that both homes were “now vacant and fully under the council’s control” and expected to be let out “in the coming weeks.” That has not happened, and the property remains empty.
Councillor criticises waste of money
Cllr Paul Lorber, the Sudbury representative, said: “Buying this house and then keeping it empty for over three years is an appalling waste of money and clear evidence that Labour councillors are not fit to run Brent Council. It is time that someone at the council took responsibility and got the two flats used for their intended purpose - housing families who need a decent home in Brent.”
Brent, like much of London, faces a significant housing crisis, with a lack of available accommodation often forcing families to be moved out of the borough. The council spends around £100,000 a day on costly temporary accommodation, including nightly paid hotels.
Council expects occupation from October
A Brent Council spokesperson told the LDRS: “7 Station Approach was purchased to provide additional affordable housing for local residents. The council has undertaken extensive refurbishment and compliance works to bring the property up to the required standard. The cost of these works to date is £75,360.33 excluding VAT, comprising works to both flats and associated building compliance costs.”
The property consists of two self-contained flats. The flats have been advertised and viewings have already taken place for the ground floor property. While refurbishment works are completed, the council is awaiting final Building Control sign-off before the homes can be occupied—the only outstanding requirement before tenants can move in.
“Subject to the necessary approval being received, we expect the homes to be occupied from October. The council remains committed to bringing these homes into use as quickly as possible and providing much-needed affordable housing for local residents,” the spokesperson added.
