Spotted an empty house that looks abandoned, or a building site that has been left half-finished? It can be more than an eyesore - it can attract fly-tipping, pests, damp and anti-social behaviour, and it can drag down the feel of a street. The good news is there is a clear route to report open, derelict and empty properties in our area.

What counts as open, derelict or empty?

In plain terms, Stafford Borough Council deals with properties that are unoccupied and causing concern - for example if they are unsecured (open access), visibly falling into disrepair, or creating a nuisance for neighbours. If you are unsure, report what you have seen and let the Council decide the right team to pick it up.

Where to start - Stafford Borough Council

The Borough Council has a dedicated page explaining what they can do and how to raise it with them. It is the best starting point if the property is in the Stafford Borough area (which includes Gnosall).

Stafford Borough Council - Open, Derelict and Empty Properties

Helpful details to include in a report

• The full address (or as close as you can get), plus a description of where it is
• What the issue is (for example: open doors/windows, collapsing roof, overgrown garden, rubbish)
• How long it has looked empty, if you know
• Any immediate risks (children getting in, sharp debris, suspected fire damage)
• Photos can help if you can take them safely from a public place

If it feels urgent or dangerous

If there is an immediate danger to life, a fire risk, or a crime in progress, use the emergency services. For non-urgent highway issues (for example debris spilling onto the road, or a dangerous boundary next to a footway), Staffordshire County Council may be relevant too:

Staffordshire County Council

Local tip: keep Gnosall in the loop

If a problem property is affecting the wider community (repeat fly-tipping, ongoing concerns, or you want local awareness), it can be worth copying in the Parish Council as well. They cannot replace the Borough Council process, but they can sometimes help make sure issues are clearly logged and followed up.

Gnosall Parish Council