PUBLIC groups could soon be offered the chance to regenerate empty buildings and vacant plots of land under a new Government Scheme.

The recently announced Right to Regenerate plans would enable the public to require councils and public sector to sell unused land and assets.

The government says the policy will make it simpler for public to transform vacant land and derelict buildings into homes, businesses or community spaces, and could bring long empty sites back into use.

The Council or land owner would have to provide a "compelling reason" why the land should be kept if a public group raises an interest in buying and developing it.

The policy has been backed by national Civic group Civic Voice.

Bradford Council says it is currently reviewing the proposals.

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Under the Right to Regenerate, public bodies would need to have clear plans for land in the near future, even if only a temporary use before later development – if the land is kept for too long without being used, they would be required to sell it.

The strengthened rights would also apply to unused publicly owned social housing and garages providing opportunities to transform the local housing stock.

Housing Secretary Rt Hon Robert Jenrick MP said: "Right to Regenerate is the simple way to turn public land into public good, with land sold by default, unless there is a very compelling reason not to do so.

"We are cutting through red tape so that communities can make better use of available land and derelict buildings, which means more new homes, businesses and community assets."

Ian Harvey, Executive Director of Civic Voice said: "Across the country, communities see land that remains empty and wonder why.

"They imagine how it could be used for communities – from green space, to housing, but when they enquire about enhancing the space it’s never clear who owns it.

"If a community has a viable use for this land, they must be given the opportunity to take these ideas forward.

"The ‘Right to Regenerate’ is a great-step forward to build on previous attempts at doing this and we believe it will increase the chance for communities to come together to bring vacant land into the heart of the community. We look forward to working with communities on this latest community right."

Asked about the policy, a Bradford Council spokesperson, said: “The Right to Regenerate has just been announced by the government and is open for consultation.

“The council supports bringing empty buildings back into good quality and appropriate use as quickly as possible, however, we will need to carefully review the proposals and will make submissions based on what is best for the district and our residents.”