Forum Topic

Can the Council compel a defunct business to clean up?

Does anyone know if a council (Ealing, in this case) can compel a defunct business to clean up its derelict and decaying property? This relates to Sparrow Cafe on Acton Lane (W4) - it's been derelict as long as I've lived here (4 yrs ish) and it's just a dumping ground (couldn't attach a photo but streetview link hopefully works - it looks worse since this photo was taken). We might not be the nicest street in W4 but this doesn't help. Any info or suggestions gratefully received - thanks! https://www.instantstreetview.com/@51.499571,-0.264611,100.18h,-4.43p,1z,MlNfBYElFLdsLJEMXYlmEg

Jen Thorndycraft ● 11d8 Comments

Thanks Rachael - hadn't thought of checking planning.  Will do.

Jen Thorndycraft ● 10d

Thanks Joanna - will do this.

Jen Thorndycraft ● 10d

Helpful - thanks very much.

Jen Thorndycraft ● 10d

Hi, really glad to see other people are invested in this clean up too!I've actually done some digging and it seems its been left in its current state for so long because someone is wanting to renovate it. It looks like they only got their planning permission approved April 2024. https://pam.ealing.gov.uk/online-applications/applicationDetails.do?keyVal=R76MCNJMGFU00&activeTab=summaryMaybe the best bet is to write to the council and tell this applicant they need to clean up the front of the property. Thanks for all your efforts so far, hoping it will get sorted soon.

Rachael Harris ● 10d

I've recently reported a horrible mess of an empty shop in Chiswick Gunnersbury ward to Hounslow council - so it's worth contacting your Ealing Southfield ward councillors and asking if anything can be done: https://ealing.moderngov.co.uk/mgMemberIndex.aspx?FN=WARD&VW=LIST&PIC=0

Joanna Biddolph ● 11d

The Levelling-up and Regeneration Act 2023 grants local authorities new powers to address derelict commercial properties, particularly on high streets and in town centers. This legislation allows councils to auction leases of vacantcommercial units to attract new tenants, with the aim of revitalizing these areas. The Act also provides for the use of compulsory purchase orders (CPOs) in certain circumstances to acquire derelict buildings, facilitating redevelopment.

Sam Hearn ● 11d

Halina, at her fine dressmaking shop across the road, may well be able to give you some information.

Jim Lawes ● 11d

It depends on if the defunct business owns the premises or were  renting it.

Steve Taylor ● 11d