Figures obtained by Peasedown St John councillor Karen Walker (Independent) show there to be almost 150 uninhabited properties across the Bath and North East Somerset Council area.
The properties, which have been uninhabited for more than two years, are located all over the district from Keynsham to Batheaston, and from Midsomer Norton to Peasedown St John.
The news comes at the same time that Conservative-run B&NES Council continues to push through plans to build new housing estates across the local the authority, such as the 89 home development in Greenlands Road, Peasedown St John.
Cllr Walker said: “If the Council can bring some of these empty properties back into use that would be a benefit in tackling the housing needs we have.
“Let’s first use some of these properties that already exist for new homes before we even think of building anymore.”
Cllr Karen Walker, who questioned the Cabinet on the issue last month at Bath’s Guildhall, wants the council to more to do more to bring some of the boarded up properties in B&NES back into use.
Karen added: “As the number of people on the council’s social housing waiting list sours past the 4,000 mark, despite action from the housing department in the past, more stills needs to be done to provide homes for people who need them the most.
“These 150 empty properties would make ideal homes for young families, and single parents with young children.”
Peasedown St John councillors have been raising their concerns about the number of empty properties in the authority for eight years when Councillor Sarah Bevan first highlighted the issue at a meeting of the B&NES Full Council in November 2008.
