Former Cannock social club site up for auction to pave way for homes

The plot in Arthur Street in Cannock is where Wimblebury Social Club once stood.

It is to be sold at auction in London with a guide price of £375,000 to £400,000.

The half-acre site, which has been derelict for several years, has permission for 16 flats.

Councillor Alan Dean, who represents Heath Hayes East and Wimblebury on Cannock Chase District Council, said the news would be welcomed by local residents.

"This site has been a blot on the landscape and the subject of anti-social behaviour since the club was demolished," he said.

"I am very glad to hear it is about to be sold and hope that much-need homes will go up there very soon."

Plans for flats were approved by the council in 2008 subject to conditions and a section 106 agreement for contributions to improve public open space in the area.

No work could take place until designs showing the layout of the landscaping, plants, fences and walls as well as drainage were approved by the authority.

Planning bosses used their delegated powers to approve the scheme for 16 flats, together with a detached storage area for bins and parking.

The application, submitted by Marshalls, of Cannock Road in Shareshill, featured 14 two-bedroom apartments and two three-bedroom flats.

Four of the flats were to form a two-storey block while the remaining apartments would make up a three-storey unit.

But the plans fell through and the site has remained derelict since.

It is now being marketed as a freehold residential development opportunity.

Simon Bailey, director at auctioneers Eddisons, which is holding the sale, said: "The site is located in a mainly residential area and has been completely levelled.

"The fact that residential planning permission has already been granted should make it of interest to local developers."

Councillor Dean welcomed the chance to bring new homes into the village and to regenerate the site.

He said: "The club's closure was symptomatic of the times. It went the way of many other small community clubs and pubs that have closed in the past few years.

"The big need now is for more homes, especially affordable homes, and the sooner the better."

The auction is due to take place in Piccadilly, London, on February 19.