The former Tendring District Council (TDC) offices in Weeley have sold at auction for more than £1.1million.

The Thorpe Road site attracted a huge amount of interest from bidders when it went under the hammer with Clive Emson Land and Property Auctioneers.

The property eventually fetched £1,152,000 – more than £400,000 above the initial guide price.

Councillor Peter Kotz, Portfolio Holder for Assets & Community Safety, said: “We are pleased that the sale of the site has proceeded smoothly, and attracting so much more than the reserve price represents good value for money for taxpayers.

“This validates the decision taken by Cabinet in July to proceed with an auction as the best way to dispose of the property.

“This approach provided a clear and transparent route to sale, will reduce ongoing costs, and has supported our commitment to financial sustainability and openness.

“I look forward to seeing what the future holds for the site.”

The identity of the bidder has not been made public.

The site is allocated for housing in the Tendring District Local Plan, although any development would be subject to planning permission.

The Council had previously explored a housing-led redevelopment of the site, however negotiations with the preferred bidder were discontinued earlier this year due to delays and legal complexities.

Covering just over two acres, the site includes the main office building, a warehouse, additional offices and storage units. One is currently tenanted under a monthly licence agreement.

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