East Suffolk Council

Posted by on 24 March 2022 | Comments

A run-down railway crossing cottage has been granted a new lease of life thanks to a deal enabled by East Suffolk Council.

Blackstock Cottage is one of the latest council-owned properties to be identified as needing significant investment in repair and improvement and has been sold on the open market via the council's housing team to secure these improvements.

The former signalman’s cottage, just north of Campsea Ashe, near Wickham Market, was purchased as part of the council's strategy to ensure availability of good quality housing for the benefit of the East Suffolk community.

It was acquired as a property of concern from the previous owner, following a lengthy process whereby the council supported the owner to try to find the best solution for his off-grid rural property, which was in poor repair and deteriorating.

After the owner moved to a new home in a nearby town, and between purchase and sale, East Suffolk Council obtained outline planning permission for the demolition of the property and development of a new dwelling – this being seen as the most appropriate course of action for the site.

In November, the cottage (picture: Clarke & Simpson) was sold via online auction by Clarke & Simpson. It had no mains electricity, no mains gas, no sewerage, and a private water supply. It was purchased by Alex Ogilvie and her family, who loved the history of the building and are keen to keep it as a renovation project and potential holiday rental.

East Suffolk Council's development strategy includes the proactive acquisition of housing for redevelopment opportunities to either add to our housing stock or move on to other development opportunities, while contributing to the economic regeneration of the district.

Other recent examples of acquisitions include the former Lowestoft Post Office site and a former house in multiple occupation in London Road South, Lowestoft, both earmarked for housing solutions.

Cllr Richard Kerry, Cabinet Member with responsibility for Housing at East Suffolk Council, said:

"This is another great example of what can be achieved with our development strategy.

"The procurement approach supports the wider social value objectives of the council. We aim to promote well-managed and maintained homes, while working in partnership to support successful communities, regeneration and economic development."