A CLUSTER of buildings and land near a picturesque and historic water mill could now be transformed into an "executive-style house" after being sold for more than £200,000.

The site, at 40 Alderford Street, in Sible Hedingham, was set to be auctioned off by Clive Emson Lane and Property Auctioneers on February 7 with a guide price of £215,000. 

The plot, sat adjacent to the Grade II-listed Alderford water mill, contains four buildings for commercial use and an office, with the whole site taking up 0.36 acres of land.The owner of the land, however, secured planning permission for a four-bedroom home at the site before the auction, and it was subsequently snapped up for £218,000 ahead of the event.

Halstead Gazette: Potential - The site at Alderford StreetPotential - The site at Alderford Street (Image: Clive Emson Lane and Property Auctioneers)

Halstead Gazette: Tourist attraction - Alderford Water MillTourist attraction - Alderford Water Mill (Image: Google Maps)
Regional director and auctioneer Paul Bridgeman said: “We had strong interest in this parcel of land and commercial units.

“It was not surprising to see it snapped up quickly as planning permission had already been granted for an executive-style house designed by Melville Dunbar Associates on the site.

“The result was an excellent deal for both vendor and purchaser and is another example of how forethought on behalf of the seller in seeking planning consent before the auction would pay dividends.”