A MAJOR site with the potential to be turned into a residential development has been sold at auction for more than £1.4 million.

Land east of the Close in Horley, near Gatwick Airport, was sold on Wednesday at an auction held by Clive Emson Land and Property Auctioneers.

The land, currently used as a commercial vehicle depot and haulage contractor’s yard, is 1.60 acres – a little smaller than a football pitch.

The Argus: Land east of the Close in Horley near Gatwick Airport was sold on WednesdayLand east of the Close in Horley near Gatwick Airport was sold on Wednesday

It is less than two miles from Horley town centre and less than a mile by foot from Gatwick Airport, or three miles by car.

Director and Senior Auction Appraiser Sam Kinloch said: “This was a major sale.

"Although we are not aware of the buyer’s intentions, we do know that the site has also been allocated for residential use within the Reigate and Banstead local plan.

“We were also of the view that the site may be suitable for a wide variety of uses and may be ideally located for use as airport parking, subject to all necessary consents being obtainable.”

The site has access along The Close from Balcombe Road and has an open plan storage area with mains electricity and water.

It is secured by metal fencing along the perimeter and by an automated gate.

The portable buildings on the site were not included in the sale.

Clive Emson Auctioneers holds auctions eight times a year offering specialist advice for auction purposes with offices in Brighton.

The next auction is on Wednesday, 22 September and entries close on August 30.

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