Potential housing land in Castle Point and long-vacant homes are to be identified in an investigation.
The council is undertaking a study to find out which sites could be developed and whether empty properties could be lived in again.
In a report to a special planning committee meeting, Castle Point planning director Ian Burchill stressed that just because land came under the spotlight it did not mean it would be seized for building.
Instead the study was just a process to find out the potential capacity for new homes.
Councillors were assured the issue would be dealt with sensitively, after many were worried that residents - especially the elderly - could be put under unnecessary stress as a result.
However, Castle Point mayor Charles Smith said: "We should be a little bit more pro-active over our empty homes.
"There are properties out there not being used, and they are a wasted asset."
Published Thursday, January 30, 2003
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