A LOCAL authority is set to authorise the extension of two selective landlord licensing schemes aimed at improving housing for a further five years.

Burnley Council’s executive meeting on Wednesday January 19 has recommended to approve the continuation of the areas covering around 2,000 houses in the Leyland Road, and Burnley Wood/ Healey Wood areas when it meets later this month.

If agreed, the extension of the scheme would have to be submitted to the government for final approval.

It follows an 11-week consultation involving residents, private landlords, managing agents and other interested parties.

The council has been operating selective licensing in the borough since October 2008, as part of a wider regeneration strategy for the areas.

A report to the executive says that both areas had seen improvements in the five years of selective licensing including a fall in the number of housing disrepair complaints received by the council, improvements to property and area security measures, and a decrease in empty houses.

It adds that there has been a fall in anti-social behaviour and environmental crime such as fly-tipping, and a rise in average house prices.

Cllr John Harbour, Burnley Council's housing boss, said: “Extending selective licensing in these areas will help enable the good work and progress that’s been made so far to continue and be built upon.

“Selective licensing has been effective in improving these two areas and tenants, landlords and the wider communities have all benefited from the initiatives.”