East Riding of Yorkshire Council is taking further steps to support and revitalise high streets across the region, by proposing the designation of town centres across the region as High Street Rental Auction (HSRA) areas.
The initiative, enabled by new powers under the Levelling Up and Regeneration Act 2023, aims to bring persistently vacant high street properties back into productive use, supporting local economies and communities.
The new powers give local authorities the ability to require landlords to rent out properties that have been continuously unoccupied for 12 months or at least 366 non-continuous days within a 24-month period. A HRSA is a transparent auction process, ensuring these spaces can once again contribute to the community. The aim is to support the revitalisation of high streets by bringing buildings into positive, productive use.
Landlords will be obliged to pay to bring the premises up to a minimum standard, but in areas of high vacancy rates government grants can be available.
The council proposes to designate all of the East Riding’s high streets currently designated as retail centres in the Local Plan, from Bridlington to Snaith, as areas with scope for High Street Rental Auction Areas. Although many high streets in the East Riding are thriving, the council believes it is important to aim for a consistent approach.
The council is inviting feedback from residents, businesses and property owners. Feedback should be sent to hsra@eastriding.gov.uk or posted to Support HSRA AS67, County Hall, Beverley, HU17 9BA.
The council’s preferred approach is to work collaboratively and constructively with landlords to enable them to let their properties voluntarily, without the need to start the HSRA process.
Councillor Anne Handley, East Riding of Yorkshire Council leader said: “Our high streets are at the heart of our communities, and we are taking proactive steps to tackle long-term vacancies and support local prosperity.
“Our first priority is always to work with landlords and businesses to find voluntary solutions, but we are ready to use these new powers where necessary to benefit our towns and communities.”
Details of the scheme and how residents and business can express their views are available at this webpage: eryc.link/hsra
The closing date for comments is 31st December 2025.
