At first glance, you wouldn’t think the housing estate in Old Park Close would be abandoned. Most empty properties are shrouded in overgrown gardens with broken and boarded up windows. This abandoned estate looks maintained, yet has remained still since 1990’s.
Old Park Close Abandoned Estate
Originally a residence for military families during World War II, this place once echoed with the laughter of children and the daily bustle of life, while their parents served at the camp just across the road. The barracks shut down in the 1990’s and the army families packed their bags and left. Every window and door has been locked or bolted to deter intruders out, leaving the abandoned estate.
What Next?
The abandoned estates are family homes which would command a high price if listed on the open market. While some need some upkeep maintenance with fixing loose tiles and replacing rusted satellites, most remain untouched. These abandoned estates are waiting to be brought back into the market and community.
There have been debates over the habitation of the abandoned estates for several decades, but they have resulted in rejection, leaving the houses abandoned. The Ministry Of Defence may reuse the site for military housing or offer it to Dover District Council. If neither option works out, it’ll be sold to be demolished and redeveloped with twice as many homes. This could boost the economy by creating new housing and jobs. However, it would also erase the heritage and history of the houses.
Signs Of An Abandoned Property
Although the estate appeared well-kept, giving the impression it was still occupied. If you’re wondering whether a nearby property has been abandoned, here are a few indicators to look out for:
- Boarded up or broken windows: Often a sign of anti- social behaviour, such as squatters breaking in or vandalism to the property.
- Overgrown gardens: Neglecting a property can lead to overgrown, untidy gardens that may become a nuisance to neighbours.
- Structural damage or decay: Evident issues with the property, such as collapsed roofing, peeled paint or damaged guttering.
- Uncollected mail: Letters or parcels which are being piled up by the door for an extended period can indicated abandoned property.
- No activity: This can be noticeable during the night if there are no lights or action at the property.
Conclusion
The Old Park Close estates reflect Dover’s rich history and the lives that once shaped this place. While the houses are intact, the activity of the community has faded. It’s crucial to bring abandoned estates back into circulation, especially with around 260,000 homes currently sitting empty across the UK.
Many abandoned estates become empty when owners pass away without immediate family to manage their estate. When you report an abandoned estate to Blanchards, we locate missing next of ken through tracing and genealogy research. Blanchard services include tracing next of kin, managing the estate and securing the empty property.
Empty homes should be reported by local councils and residents to bring them back into use. Is an empty property affecting your street? Help improve your community by reporting it.
