Full rents for vacant shops could cause High Street stimulus — councillor
An Angus councillor has called for the Scottish Government to force "absentee landlords" to pay full rent in a bid to rejuvenate the region's high streets.
- By Graeme Bletcher
- Published in the Courier : 04.05.11
- Published online : 04.05.11 @ 12.19pm
Carnoustie representative Brian Boyd wants Holyrood to take the lead from an English ruling, which means shop unit owners must continue to pay 100% of their fees to a local authority even if their outlet is vacant.
At present, Scottish commercial landlords are given up to a 50% reduction in fees after their property has been empty for more than three months.
Mr Boyd said that forcing that up to the full amount would be likely to prompt high street property owners to drop unaffordable rent demands.
In the same month Carnoustie councillor Peter Murphy joined Mr Boyd in calling for discount rents for new businesses in the town and suggested a new petrol station could revive the centre of the community.
Other than golf tourism there is little to draw visitors to Carnoustie, and those who do come for competitions rarely venture beyond the links.
Councillor Murphy said, "There is an upward trend with two new businesses coming in and a gallery expanding, but there are still many vacant lots.
"Angus Council is supportive of the town centre, but would prefer the private sector to try to improve business opportunities in Carnoustie by offering rents at a discount to new businesses."
Add a comment