"Peter Parry" wrote in message
...
On Sun, 12 Jun 2005 09:46:04 +0100, David Hearn

Building regulation enforcement
has no time limit - which is pretty
sensible -

Not so. Liverpool council has applied for compulsory purchases on
properties with planning permission which was started and left (property
speculators). They do a little work and leave it. After letters from the
council scaffolding may be erected as a con. One Doctor in Wolverhampton I
believe had his graded building taken off him as they ran out of patience.
The council want buildings renovated ASAP, and people who neglect will be
brought into line. Some want the property to be demolished, and leave the
buiklding open and prey to vandals, so they can build a new more lucrative
building, or are just waiting to sell as the city's property prices are
rising rapidly because of the City of Culture status. The city also wanted
to introduce Land Value Tax to tax vacant property purposely left for
speculative purposes.