Dereliction and Building Regeneration Bill 2025

Public bill · Private Member · Introduced

A new system would be created to identify and deal with derelict buildings, with a wider definition of what counts as derelict and stronger local authority powers to publish registers, notify owners and track sites left unused for two years or more. It would also speed up approvals for turning vacant upper floors and other empty spaces in existing buildings into homes, including changes from commercial or industrial use, through a Town Centre First process with clearer guidance and dedicated oversight. This matters because it aims to cut delay, bring empty buildings back into use, and support more homes and town-centre regeneration.

Formal long title

Bill entitled an Act to provide for identification, management, restoration and bringing back to use of derelict buildings and to simplify and expedite applications to refurbish or change the use of upper floors or ‘over the shop’ for residential use by establishing in each local authority a special planning and building control approval system to be called a Town Centre First application process.

Last updated 21 May 2025