Flats left empty for nearly four years over claim

A national housing charity says it is "sad" to see a block of flats that have been empty for nearly four years "going to waste".

Central Bedfordshire Council acquired Birch Court in Dunstable in October 2022, but it said the building was not safe to occupy.

The council was still waiting for an insurance claim to be processed to pay for repairs, years after surveys highlighted "critical defects" in the building that posed a potential fire safety risk.

Chris Bailey, director of policy and campaigns for Action on Empty Homes, said: "The situation with Birch Court is typical of far too many recently constructed or renovated buildings across the country."

"In Dunstable, as elsewhere, it's definitely a contributor to the rapidly rising number of empty homes," he added.

Steven Watkins, executive member for assets, business and housing at the council, said: "We recognise the frustration that it remains empty."

He added he wanted to see the building brought into use "as soon as possible".

The council owns the flats and the intention was for them to be available to people on its social housing waiting list, aged over 40.

The Council Taxbase 2025 data from the Empty Homes Network showed the East of England region had seen a rise in the number of empty homes over the past five years.

It reveals that 112,074 properties stood vacant last year - an increase of 15,896 since 2021.

Empty homes now account for about 4% of all dwellings in the region, closely matching the national average.

Meanwhile, government figures show the number of households in the country living in temporary accommodation is at a record high.

Action on Empty Homes questioned how much the council was spending on accommodation for homeless families while Birch Court remained empty.

The council has yet to respond to that question.

Watkins, an Independent councillor, said: "It would be premature to speculate on the future of the building at this stage, as the next steps will be determined once the insurance claim process is complete.

"We recognise the need for housing across Central Bedfordshire and remain committed to supporting local people in housing need, and we manage several thousand homes for local people."

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