A large site with planning permission for eight detached houses in East Sussex sold for £700,000 when it went under the auctioneer’s gavel.

The land, at 50 West Close, Polegate, was among 152 lots being sold by regional land and property auctioneers Clive Emson in its May round of auctions.

With the benefit of planning permission granted in October 2015, the freehold site was offered jointly with Rages & Roberts estate agents.

Sam Kinloch, Director and Senior Auction Valuer at Clive Emson, said: “There was keen interest from builders and investors in this excellent development opportunity. Located on the edge of village, it benefits from planning consent in place for eight detached houses. The new owner may wish to follow this scheme or progress an alternative development subject to the necessary consents. The site is adjacent to the Cuckoo Trail, which follows the old Cuckoo railway line from Eastbourne to Heathfield, and has easy access to the A27 and Polegate railway station is just a mile away. It is also a stone’s throw from Polegate School, making any potential new homes an attractive proposition for families.”

The 1.46 acre plot has consent for seven four-bedroom and one three-bedroom houses.

Clive Emson Auctioneers, an independent, family-run firm, hold eight rounds of auctions at five locations from Essex to Cornwall on consecutive days every six weeks. Their March auctions offered 170 lots, raising more than £19 million for their clients.

The fourth of their 2016 regional Sussex and Surrey auctions is at the Brighton Metropole at 11am on Wednesday 15 June 15. Entries close on Monday May 16.

Clive Emson: 01273 504232 www.cliveemson.co.uk