The evil of empty rates

Most towns and cities are suffering a similar fate with industrial property as they now attract empty rates being payable.

Until April last year relief was allowed on industrial property so they could sit there waiting for improvement in fortunes, but with the credit crunch we will see further buildings being knocked down to avoid paying rates

It seems a impossible and foolish situation but these ugly sites may attract the first interest once the market turns.

The developers on macon way , had 2 planning applications on this site but they got turned down, for a retail led redvelopement, so the owners have knocked down the site - leaving an unslightly mess on a prime road into Crewe

Planning consents for employement uses would be welcomed and a new master plan has been commisioned by Urbed to defend and planning application outside this requirement.They have proposed an office corridor , which in essence is not a bad idea but with several ownerships along macon way it will be a long time before it happens.