AN “eyesore” fly-tipping hotspot has been listed on the market for £1 million as a “prime development opportunity”.

Earlier this year, plans were approved by Southend Council to build 22 flats on the site of a former warehouse in Sutton Road, Southend, next to the Mecca Bingo at the Greyhound Retail Park.

The development consists of nine one-bedroom flats, eight two-bedroom homes and five three-bedroom properties on the corner of Maldon Road and Sutton Road.

The site has been empty for at least eight years and has been surrounded by hoardings for “security purposes” after a series of fly-tipping incidents.

The application also stated that there had been issues around anti-social behaviour and “drug and alcohol abuse appearing to be prevalent on the site” too.

Flytipping - Sutton Road is a hotspot for dumped wasteFlytipping - Sutton Road is a hotspot for dumped waste (Image: Southend Council)

The site has now been listed on the market for £1 million ahead of the work taking place.

Ian Gilbert, a councillor responsible for the Victoria ward, has urged someone to take the opportunity to transform the area.

He added: “I really hope that someone is able to take it forward.

“That land has been derelict and also attracting flytipping and anti-social behaviour for some time now. It needs to be sorted.

“I don’t really like the practice of people securing planning permission and not building it, but just selling it on.

“However, in these circumstances I just hope someone takes the opportunity and something is done with the site as soon as possible for the benefit of the area.”

A previous planning application proposing flats on the site had been rejected by Southend Council, but no objections were raised for the application to build 22 flats.

Gilbert and Rose, who are marketing the development, say it is a “rare” opportunity.

They say: “This fantastic cleared site presents a rare and exciting development opportunity in the thriving Southend, with planning permission already granted.

“ “Whether you are looking to develop for sale or rental, this is an exceptional chance to capitalise on the strong demand for housing in this area.”

To view, visit rightmove.co.uk/properties/86985240#/