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Friday, February 17, 2012
BRIGG MIGHT WELCOME FLAT RATE FOR THE JOB!
Would Brigg town centre benefit from a 'living above the shop' proposal announced by the National Association of Estate Agents (NAEA)?
It is calling on the Government to consider transforming vacant high street retail property into much-needed housing in certain areas.
Peter Bolton King, Chief Executive of the NAEA said: “With the Government still yet to formally respond to Mary Portas’ review of the high street, swift action from local authorities and forward-thinking developers is crucial to revive the UK’s town and city centres.
“Commercial property owners are facing high business rates for buildings that no-one occupies. Therefore, in the right circumstances, converting these buildings for residential use could have an aesthetic and economic benefit. However, such renovations are not simple undertakings. We advise that a thorough evaluation of the work involved is carried out beforehand to avoid additional cost burdens."
The NAEA goes on to make specific reference to market towns,
Many Brigg shops already have flats above them - but not all. And, in the current economic climate, any money made available by the Government, in support of conversions, would be gratefully received.
I think you'll find most business properties in Brigg already do this and the ones that don't tend to be national chains which wouldn't find it appropriate. Really the whole thing is a sticking plaster to the problems of national housing that explored elsewhere in more detail. http://www.guardian.co.uk/money/2007/feb/22/buyingtolet.houseprices?INTCMP=SRCH
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