A north-east council could enlist a squad of “property guardians” to protect vacant or derelict buildings and ease housing waiting lists.
The scheme, which is growing in popularity across the country, allows would-be tenants to sign up as guardians who are then given lodgings inside empty buildings.
Property guardianship offers tenants temporary but cheap accommodation and could take the strain off Aberdeenshire Council’s 10,000-strong council house waiting list.
In return, local authorities or private firms are assured their buildings are not at risk of illegal squatting, asset stripping, vandalism or arson.
Last night SNP administration councillor Linda Clark described the scheme as a “sensible” and innovative solution.
Mrs Clark, who has served on the housing committee for nine years, said: “Aberdeenshire is a very innovative local authority – it has to be. I’m pleased this has come to our attention.
“It would be foolish not to look at things. If it could be brought before the housing committee, that’s a very good idea.”
Mrs Clark added Aberdeenshire is always ready to “pinch” good ideas from other councils.
Warwick County Council in England has being using the initiative for nearly two years and employs 15 guardians for sites including care homes and a fire station.
And Salford City Council is using guardians to protect its empty Charlestown Primary School in a “high-crime area”.
Aberdeenshire Council currently has 12 major sites for sale in Aberdeenshire including two large office buildings in Peterhead which currently lie vacant.
Last night a spokeswoman for property guardian organisation Ad Hoc said the initiative could guard against disaster.
“Ad Hoc are currently working with clients in Aberdeenshire to secure vacant buildings against vandalism, squatting, asset stripping and arson,” she said.
“An example of a property falling to prey to such horrors is the Highland Haven Hotel which has reportedly lost £600,000 in value since being left vacant in 2010.
“By installing guardians, owners can rest easy knowing that their property will be protected through occupation, maintenance issues will be reported and dealt with quickly.”
The Press and Journal approached Aberdeenshire Council for comment yesterday, and a spokeswoman said the idea had been put to the housing team for consideration.