Mitzi and Tony Bradshaw’s venture to renovate empty properties and holiday lets in North Norfolk stands as a beacon of hope amidst a growing housing crisis. With an eye toward revitalising their community, the couple aims to transform neglected spaces into affordable homes, thereby addressing both housing shortages and local employment prospects. Their recent success in refurbishing Northfield House in Mundesley, which they plan to rent out, is just the beginning of an ambitious project that could reshape the area’s housing landscape.

The Bradshaws’ plans reflect wider concerns about housing availability in North Norfolk, where statistics reveal a troubling trend. An increasing population has led to significant housing demand, but only a limited number of affordable homes—around 238 are projected to become available in the district over the next year. This shortage is exacerbated by the prevalence of second homes and holiday lets, which account for about 8% of council tax properties in the area. With 7,169 such properties present, many stand empty and unoccupied for most of the year, raising questions about their impact on local communities.

Mitzi Bradshaw highlights a triad of pressing issues facing Mundesley: housing shortages, lack of job opportunities for youth, and inadequate transport links. Over the past five years, the couple has secured funding through a loan against their own property to kick-start their first refurbishment, now seeking broader financial backing to expand their efforts. They are particularly focused on targeting empty homes and holiday lets, many of which languish unused while local families struggle to find affordable lodging.

In tandem with improving housing, the Bradshaws are committed to nurturing local youth by offering them practical work experience. Tony Bradshaw’s construction background allows him to teach practical skills to three teenagers involved in the project. Their engagement has received positive feedback, underscoring the benefits of providing young people with meaningful opportunities at a time when many face barriers to employment. For young individuals like Jake Stewart and Jeremy Rogers, who have faced challenges during and after school, the chance to work on the renovation has been transformative.

Local governing bodies are also taking proactive steps to alleviate the housing crisis. The North Norfolk District Council has launched initiatives to bring long-term empty properties back into use. The Council’s Empty Homes Officer works actively with property owners to provide essential support ranging from refurbishment advice to connecting owners with potential tenants. These measures form part of a broader strategy to turn vacant homes into viable housing options for residents.

Furthermore, the Council imposes additional council tax premiums on long-term empty homes as an incentive to encourage property owners to reoccupy their buildings. This approach aligns with their goals to reduce the number of unoccupied properties and increase the overall housing stock in the district. In collaboration with local housing associations, the Council is exploring ways to engage small and medium-sized developers in the construction of new affordable homes, thereby supporting both families and young individuals who might otherwise face difficulties affording local living.

While the Bradshaws’ efforts and the Council’s initiatives depict a concerted response to the local housing crisis, the road ahead remains challenging. With high demand and limited supply, North Norfolk’s housing landscape requires ongoing cooperation between community leaders, developers, and residents to ensure that strategies implemented not only address current shortages but also foster sustainable growth for the future. The warm reception of the Bradshaw’s project illustrates the potential for grassroots initiatives to make significant, positive changes for communities grappling with the harsh realities of housing insecurity.

Source: Noah Wire Services