Seize it now – that’s the message from neighbours frustrated by a derelict house which has lain empty and crumbling for years.

A deadline to spruce up the 19th century house in Headington, Oxford, has now passed with no action being taken.

And, last night, residents called on council bosses to take action and take possession of the Old High Street property.

The house, which sits in a conservation area, was bought in 1978 by property developer Martin Young and has been unoccupied for the past five years.

Mr Young, from Headington Hill, wants to knock down the house and build five three-storey homes in its place, but has been refused permission.

Damion Farrah, owner of nearby café Jacobs and Fields, said: “It is an eyesore and the council needs to take action on it. It does reflect badly on the area. The house could look amazing but it is falling to pieces.”

Fellow Old Headington resident Nicola Creed said: “It has been empty for too long and I would like to see something done about it.”

Mr Young bought the house with the intention of turning it into a family home if he married. He never did, and instead slept in the property while he worked on his mother’s house nearby.

He has appealed against Oxford City Council’s decision to refuse him permission to knock it down.

He said: “My logic is that if the appeal were to succeed then there wouldn’t be any point in forcing me to do it up. If the council wants things to happen it needs to leave me alone and let me get on with it.”

The city council is now considering its next step, which could include seeking an empty homes order to allow it to carry out work itself. In such a case, it would seek to recoup the cost of improvements from the owner or by renting out the property. It would not affect the ownership of the property.

City council spokesman Louisa Dean said: “The outstanding notice requiring remedial works to be carried out at the property has expired and the council is considering what further action it may take.”

A CHALLENGE TO AUTHORITY Martin Young has a history of hitting the Oxford Mail’s headlines.

He battled Oxford City Council over its decision to give planning permission for Oxford Brookes University’s new campus, and is currently funding a tenant’s legal challenge to take over a house in Warnborough Road, North Oxford.

Mr Young, right, also attempted to create his own private rubbish tip in Littlemore.

He also succeeded in getting the city council fined after his car was illegally crushed.