THE estate agents helping to sell the plush Officers’ Mess development at Shoebury Garrison says 60 per cent of the homes on the market have already been snapped up.

Fine, based in The Broadway, Thorpe Bay, are selling high-end homes in the converted historic 18th century building.

Each of the 11 properties on the site of the former military building, which was destroyed arsonists in 2009, is on sale for a minimum of £750,000 and consist of either three or four bedrooms with a stunning sea view.

Finishing touches to the last of the homes are expected to be completed by March, with residents set to start moving into the properties already constructed, from January.

Paul Wigmore, branch manager of Fine said he doesn’t expect the remaining homes at the development, in Chapel Road, to stay on the market for much longer judging by all the interest shown.

He said: “This extraordinary and historically important development has received overwhelming buyer interest. We don’t expect this last phase to be available for very long.”

Recently the developers had to submit a planning application to amend the number of houses being built as a couple of potential buyers have requested to turn two of the properties into one large home.

Barry Mather, Garrison Developments director, said: “The couple are probably the most passionate people I have come across when it comes to how they want their home to look.

“They were looking to buy one of the smaller properties, but then they requested to have two of the houses combined to make one large house.

“At the end of the day we want to cater for our customer’s needs, it is just in this case it means us having to get amended permission.”

Despite these alterations, Mr Mather said the homes should all be finished on schedule.