Five self build plots that have remained unsold for over a decade may be repurposed for other types of housing, one council warns.
The self build plots on Leperstone Avenue in Kilmacolm, Scotland, have been advertised by the local council as part of a repopulation plan but have so far seen little interest with only two of the seven plots being sold.
Accusations have been made that the council have not kept the plots tidy, putting off potential bidders. The site was described as "shambolic" by one councillor.
What are the plots?
There are currently five unsold self build plots in Kilmacolm on Leperstone Avenue, which form part of a seven-plot housing development.
The prices range from £99,000 to £105,000 per plot. They are described as 'generously sized'. The sizes of the plots are as follows:
- Plot 1 Footprint +131.0m; Plot Area 350 m2
- Plot 2 Footprint +131.5m; Plot Area 348 m2
- Plot 4 Footprint +131.75m; Plot Area 793 m2
- Plot 6 Footprint +128.0m; Plot Area 556.6 m2
- Plot 7 Footprint +129.25m; Plot Area 499.5 m2
The plots are also described as 'fully serviced' and an access road has already been built.
What's more, the particulars state that: 'Purchasers will be entitled to a 5% cash back incentive upon completion of 3 years uninterrupted occupation of the property.'
Further details are available on the council's website, and offers 'should include outline details of the proposed house.'
'Plan B' needed for unsold self build plots
The plots have been available for 10 years with only two being sold and one house being built, leading to calls for the plots to be repurposed.
Inverclyde Council leader Stephen McCabe has said that a "plan B" is needed for the self build plots.
McCabe has suggested that the plots may need to be used for other types of housing – such as housing to cater to those with special needs – if the plots are not sold soon.
Why haven't these self build plots sold?
A number of reasons have been put forward as to why the self build plots have remained unsold, with an emphasis being placed on poor marketing by the local council.
The plots were originally part of a local repopulation plan aimed at attracting buyers from outside Inverclyde. However, even after lifting the requirement for buyers to be from outside the area, demand remained low.
The plots were also recently reduced by the local council, suggesting that the price of the plots was too high.
However, Councillor David Wilson offered a different explanation as he stated the plots were not being sold as the site had not been kept in good condition by the council. He described the site as "shambolic" and that "If we ever hope to sell these plots our marketing must improve as well as the tidiness".
