A FLY-TIPPING hotspot which has stood empty for more than eight years is set to be sold for a whopping £800,000.

Southend Council previously approved plans for the site to be transformed into 22 flats and now the land, in Sutton Road, close to the Greyhound Retail Park, will be auctioned off next month.

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.

When plans were approved, it was highlighted the area hads become a fly-tipping hotspot and magnet for antisocial behaviour with reports of “drug and alcohol” abuse.

It has since been surrounded by hoardings for “security purposes” and to prevent further incidents.

Mike Gray, managing director at Dedman Gray, said this is a great opportunity for a developer, which will transform the site and street scene as a whole.

He said: “It is a really good to see this site now being available for a developer to purchase and deliver this residential scheme after so many years.

“Over ten years ago, the land was being used as a commercial building for warehousing/storage and for many years has therefore been an unattractive sight for this corner property.

“It is interesting to see that other recent developments immediately close by in Sutton Road itself have not only been completed but also were popular for sales and lettings at the time, and now provide good, local accommodation, and are fully occupied.

“I very much look forward to seeing this corner development finally brought forward in a way to enhance the street scene, as it is gradually being upgraded with scheme this kind.”

A guide price of £800,000 has been set ahead of a live-streamed auction on December 4 held by Dedman Gray.

The plans also incorporate parking on the lower ground level.

It is considered that when the site has been completed the estimated Gross Development Value (GDV) for the development will be in the region of £5 million.