THE new owners of an “eyesore” house next to the A127 have already spent £10,000 as they prepare to transform it into two family homes.
The dilapidated property at 25 Prince Avenue, Westcliff, was auctioned off by estate agents Barnard Marcus in December after falling into disrepair.
Previous owners of the property were ordered by Southend Council to carry out repairs in 2022, with an enforcement notice served as no action was taken.
The property was purchased by Black Hole Property Investments at auction, who have now submitted plans to transform it into two semi-detached family homes.
Bosses have already spent nearly two weeks on site, tidying up the front and back, while adding fencing to make the “dangerous” site, safe.
A spokesman for Black Hole Property Investments said: “We bought it at auction as an investment, not as a personal aspect.
“But we are aware of the problem it was causing and the danger in the past as it was left in a bad state.
“We have already gone in, spent £10,000 to clear and level the garden off. The front has also been cleared and we have put up the hoarding to make the property secure and the site safe.
“We started with that as soon as you could.
“We have now put plans into Southend Council. The plot was originally 25 and 27 so we have submitted plans for two four-bed semi-detached family homes.
“They will be good-sized family homes in a convenient location. The design is also in keeping with the neighbouring properties so will be very similar.
“We are excited, the neighbours have been very welcoming. It won’t be an eyesore an ymore.”
Neighbours had repeatedly complained about the state of the building in recent years and had called for work to take place.
Lydia Hyde, Labour councillor responsible for the St Laurence ward, added: “Although I await to review the full plans, and will listen to local residents, I am pleased that the intention here is for houses.
“The site was originally two houses and given its location I think this is the best solution for the site.
“With many families looking for bigger properties, I look forward to the site being a home once again.
“I am also pleased to see the initial clear-up too, they have done a great job.”
