30 October 2013
A self build initiative in Stoke-on-Trent, first identified nearly 18 months ago, is finally becoming a reality with the first batch of plots going to auction in just a few weeks’ time.
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Six fully-serviced plots at Newcastle Lane in Penkhull, just to the west of the city, will go under the hammer at a private auction on the 2nd December. Around 25 local people have already expressed a firm interest in the plots, and they have all confirmed that they pre-qualify for a self build mortgage – so these will have the first opportunity to bid for them.
The plots will have a reserve price of £75,000 and each has scope to build a four/five-bed detached property with an end value of £280,000-£300,000.
Any unsold plots will be retained for a public auction early next year. However, this is unlikely because there are already four times as many people interested, as there are plots available.
The initiative was initially unveiled in 2012, when more than 100 people attended a public exhibition.
Work is currently underway to complete the access road and services and the hope is that construction will start on the new self build homes as early as April next year.
Philip Brundrett, Programme Manager for City Renewal at Stoke-on-Trent City Council said: “The whole idea is that successful bidders will have a free rein on what they deliver at Newcastle Lane.
“Stoke-on-Trent City Council does own land in other parts of the city and wants to bring more sites forward for self build or custom build – possibly by working with larger housebuilders and developers for this type of housing delivery.”
A further scheme planned for Hanford, just over a mile away, is currently on hold as newts have been found on site. Ecology surveys have been carried out and a licence is being applied for to transfer the amphibians to a new location. “If we manage to move the newts in the summer of next year, I’d expect a similar scheme with serviced plots to go to market by the end of 2014,” Mr Brundrett added.
