BBC Homes Under the Hammer: 'Developer's dream' in 'great place' gets 'certain conditions' warning
On BBC Homes Under the Hammer, a plot that seemed an ideal purchase for builders encountered unexpected planning complications. The programme's host Dion Dublin explored the site, noting its enticing guide price of only £5,000, which could be a real 'bargain' for someone looking to develop.
Adding his view, co-host Martin Roberts branded the land in Middleport, Stoke-on-Trent a 'developer's dream. ' He highlighted the city's popularity on the show as a prime location for auction property deals.
Dublin weighed in on the possibilities afforded by the 307 square metre space, musing on whether it could comfortably fit one or perhaps even two houses.
"My first thought is 'Could you get a house on here? '" Dublin said. "My second thought is, 'Could you get two houses on here? '."
It was also pointed out that any buyer must navigate the need for planning permission and investigate any potential mining legacies beneath the land, reports Stoke on Trent Live.
Embracing the challenge, property developer Phil snapped up the land with ambitions to kick start his maiden new-build venture. With a winning bid of £15,500, Phil was drawn to the plot by its level ground, decent location, and the prospect of erecting two homes there.
The project was termed a 'slow burn' by its creator, who lamented the 14 months passed since he won the auction with not much to show for it. He indicated that finishing the houses could take another year on a budget of £100,000.
However, when revisited two years on, progress was sparse with only basic groundwork in place. The site showcased a mix of rubble and partially completed foundations, now reaching ground level.
To retain his planning permission, Phil had ensured he started some work on-site within the three-year deadline.
Yet, Phil faced difficulties, particularly with electricity supply across the street. "I've got to pick it up [the electricity] from across the road, and even though it's a quiet road, I've been told we're going to have to have some form of traffic management and a licence; so it's going to be about £17,000 to connect up the two houses."
Further complications arose due to unexpected planning issues. Phil recounted: "I got full planning permission around three years ago, and with that planning came certain conditions that I had to meet in order to start the project. One of the conditions was the contamination of the soil, another was the discharge of the rainwater goods."
He added about the costly and unforeseen charges: "Unfortunately, we have to calculate for the worst-ever storm in 500 years. £3,500 later, I give the guidelines to the engineer, and it put another £10,000 onto the bill. In effect, this problem cost £13,500."
Phil remarked: "I normally do refurbs of old Victorian houses, put new bathrooms and new kitchens in - quite simple stuff really compared to what this has been. I've got one I'm doing down in Cornwall and I'm much happier doing that."
Despite the challenges, Phil still aims to complete the two three-bed houses he's planned, but intends to take a breather and concentrate on his other properties momentarily. He has already invested £60,000 into the project and admits he is unsure of the final costs.
Estate agent Paul Beardmore from Butters John Bee commented that once built, each property could attract a rental price between £750 and £800 monthly. On the sales market, they might fetch offers over £200,000, said Beardmore.
Phil, however, holds a different view, estimating their worth at just £165,000 each.
Committed to finishing the development, Phil asserted: "I'm glad I've started, and I won't be selling it on. I will finish it, but I will be taking my time."