Contents
High Street Rental Auctions
Background
Bassetlaw District Council is seeking representations from the public and interested parties on the potential designation of Town Centres in Worksop, Retford and Harworth & Bircotes as areas where a High Street Rental Auction can be used. We want to hear the views of residents, community groups, businesses and others with an interest in the area.
What is a High Street Rental Auction, and why do you need to designate an area where they can be used?
High Street Rental Auctions (GOV UK) are a new power for local authorities to require landlords to rent out persistently vacant commercial properties to new tenants such as local businesses or community groups. In order to use these powers, the Council must designate an area or street where are there are a number of long-term empty properties.
Proposed designated areas for High Street Rental Auctions
The Council is proposing to designate Harworth Town Centre, Retford Town Centre and Worksop Town Centre as areas where High Street Rental Auctions can be used. These areas have vacancy rates of 13% in Harworth Town Centre, 10% in Retford Town Centre and 23% in Worksop Town Centre.
Current stage
The Council is seeking representations on the potential designation of Town Centres in Worksop, Retford and Harworth & Bircotes as areas where a High Street Rental Auction can be used. Comments can be submitted between 24 February and 24 March 2025. A reference copy of the designation proposals is available to view during opening hours at the Council Offices in Worksop, Retford and Harworth & Bircotes.
Representations
Representations can be made in writing via email to economic.development@bassetlaw.gov.uk or by post to HSRA Representations, Bassetlaw District Council, Queen’s Buildings, Potter Street, Worksop, S80 2AH. Representations made to the Council should specify whether the proposal(s) are supported (or not) and include the reasons why.
Responses must be received no later than 5pm on 24 March 2025.
If you have any questions regarding these proposals, please email economic.development@bassetlaw.gov.uk.
For more information about how the Council uses your information, view our privacy notice.
High Street Rental Auction FAQs
What is the purpose of the high street rental auctions?
The government has introduced high street rental auctions to help local authorities increase the occupation of high street properties and improve local economies. Bassetlaw District Council is one of the early adopters of the programme.
Which premises are affected?
The new regime will apply to commercial premises in England (other than premises last used as a warehouse, which are specifically exempt) which satisfy the following criteria:
- Designation: within an area the local authority has designated as being a high street or town centre;
- Vacant: unoccupied for the whole of the last year or for at least 366 days in the last two years;
- Suitability: suitable for ‘high street use’; and
- Change beneficial: considered by the local authority to benefit the local economy, society or environment if occupied for ‘high street use’.
- The government has stated that the target areas are those in economic decline with high vacancy rates and landlords not actively taking steps to rent the property. On that basis, we don’t expect the high street rental auction process to be used for all vacant properties which meet the conditions above, particularly where landlords are proactive in seeking new occupants.
How will the rental auction work?
The auction period lasts for twelve weeks and service of a final letting notice starts the process. There is a procedure for the landlord to appeal the service of a final notice on specified grounds. The requirements of the first ten weeks are detailed in the regulations.
Of note, before the end of the third week, the landlord may be required to give the following information:
- full and accurate responses to general pre-contract enquiries for commercial property transactions, including any supplemental pre-contract enquiries relevant to commercial property on the grant of a tenancy;
- proof of the landlord’s title to the premises; and
- if available, current copies of the electrical installation testing certificate, the energy performance certificate, the water safety certificate, the gas safety certificate, the fire safety certificate, the test certificate for any relevant mechanical, electrical or life safety systems, the fire risk assessment and asbestos survey (with asbestos management plan, where relevant).
During this period, the landlord may also make representations regarding the proposed agreement for lease and tenancy terms.
The marketing period is between the 5th and 10th weeks and this is when bids will be received.
The same restrictions on landlords granting their own leases, licences, etc. apply during the final notice period. In addition, the landlord mustn’t carry out any works to the premises during this period without the local authority’s consent.
What consequences are there for landlord non-compliance?
If a landlord fails to comply with the obligation to provide information (either not supplying it or giving false information) or carries out works to the premises in contravention of the prohibition on such, it’s a criminal offence and the landlord will be liable to a fine.
If the landlord doesn’t choose a winning bid or won’t enter into the agreement for lease or lease, the local authority has the power to do so on behalf of the landlord.
Last Updated on Monday, March 17, 2025