A PLOT of Canvey land is set to be auctioned for a potential housing development.

Southend firm Dedman Gray has put the land on Station Approach up for auction with a guide price of £100,000 for the plot.

SKA architects previously submitted plans in 2015 to build six luxury homes on the site.

Residents spoke out against the plans criticising what they claimed was an attempt to squeeze homes into the already congested area.

The plans were withdrawn before they got to final stages of the planning process.

However fears are growing the site will be auctioned off and more development will follow.

Independent councillor Dave Blackwell claimed the plans should come with a “buyer beware”.

“That was one of the old Canvey plots when we had a big issue with ‘land grabbing’.

“I believe it is the only one of those plots left.

“Anyone who leases that bit of land, could be in for a bit of trouble, because I know there have been problems with ownership on similar sites.

“Rather than saying ideal for development, it should probably say buyer beware.

“That bit of land has been derelict for years, while the rest of the area has been developed, that should be warning enough.

“This is the problem on Canvey at the moment, it is an area that is becoming a free for all for development.

“Tiny plots of land are being targeted for homes while we are struggle to cope.”

The land will be auctioned on Wednesday, May 23 at The Holiday Inn Hotel, London Southend Airport.

The advert for the auction reads: “Development potential: A vacant freehold plot of land considered to be ideal for development subject to planning permission.

“This plot of land which measures approximately 0.24 of an acre as measured is accessed via an unmade road and placed within a residential estate.

“The plot is considered to hold development potential subject to planning permission being gained.” Castle Point Council is hoping to retain control of its local plan and with it a greater say on developments.