Help shape council plans to revitalise Buckinghamshire’s high streets

High Street Rental Auctions are new powers available to councils that can help bring long-term vacant commercial properties back into use. Before any High Street Rental Auctions can take place, councils are required to formally designate the high street areas where the powers could potentially be used. The council is piloting the scheme in these areas and as part of this is inviting views on the scheme from residents, businesses, landlords and stakeholders.

The consultation, which launches today (Monday 29 June) forms part of the council’s wider ambitions to support regeneration, drive economic growth and maintain thriving town centres across the county. These town centres have been chosen as the three main town centres in the county, each with a regeneration strategy that feeds into the wider regeneration and growth vision for the county as a whole.

The six-week consultation seeks views on the proposed designated pilot areas in Aylesbury, Chesham and High Wycombe, in line with statutory requirements.

The council’s priority is to work positively with landlords and businesses to encourage the voluntary letting and occupation of vacant units. The High Street Rental Auction process would only be considered as a tool of last resort where properties have remained vacant for a sustained period and engagement with owners has not resulted in action.

Robert Carington, Buckinghamshire Council’s Cabinet Member for Resources said:

"Our town centres play a vital role in the economic, social and cultural life of Buckinghamshire. Exploring this is part of proactive action to support thriving high streets and ensure that our key town centres continue to be attractive places to live, work, visit and invest.

"We want to work constructively with landlords, businesses and local communities to bring empty properties back into productive use. Our first priority will always be to support voluntary occupation and help owners find tenants where possible.

"High Street Rental Auctions provide an additional tool that can help tackle long-term vacancy where other efforts have not succeeded. By bringing suitable vacant units back into use, we can create new opportunities for local businesses and community organisations, increase footfall and support stronger local economies across our town centres. Undertaking this pilot allows us to fully explore how these powers could be used locally to help us decide if it’s right for Buckinghamshire to take it forward”

The consultation is open from Monday 29 June to Sunday 9 August and feedback will help inform the council’s decision on the proposed designated pilot areas.

For further information and to take part in the consultation, visit this page on the Your Voice Bucks website.