Auction Lot: Building Plot, South Milton, Devon

A rare chance to buy a building plot on the edge of South Milton, one of the most sought-after villages in the South Hams. The land extends to approximately 700 sq m (0.17 acres) and has Permission in Principle for one custom or self-build dwelling, granted by South Hams District Council under reference 3651/25/PIP.
A BS5837 tree survey and a Landscape and Visual Appraisal have already been prepared, and mains water and mains electricity are connected. The plot is offered by online auction on 29 October 2026 with a guide price of £150,000 to £175,000.

The Property
The land lies at Sutton Cross, on the approach into South Milton from the east, immediately north of Sutton Cross House. It is a level parcel laid to grass. Its last lawful use was as a builders’ yard.
Permission in Principle was granted on 22 January 2026 for a minimum of one and a maximum of one residential dwelling, and is valid until 22 January 2029. It establishes the location, land use and amount of development only. Before any work can start, the purchaser will need Technical Details Consent, which must be determined within that period. The size, siting and design of the new home will be settled at that stage, and the officer report indicates the site may be suited to single-storey development.
Policy H5 of the South Milton Neighbourhood Plan requires new dwellings to be subject to a principal residency requirement. Purchasers should expect the new home to be restricted to use as a principal residence, and not as a second home or holiday let.
The Council has asked for an arboricultural assessment and a landscape and visual assessment to support the technical application. Both have been prepared. A BS5837 tree survey by Phil Thomas Arboriculture finds that the trees are held in the boundary Devon banks, with none in the centre of the plot, and sets the root protection areas at two metres from the base of the banks. It also recommends works to a small number of dead and diseased trees.
The Landscape and Visual Appraisal by Greenearth Landscape Architects addresses the concerns of the South Devon National Landscape Officer, who objected at the Permission in Principle stage. It finds the site is not visible from five of the seven viewpoints assessed, with negligible landscape effects and minor visual effects in the long term. The appraisal is the professional view of its authors, and the Council may not reach the same conclusions. Both reports will be included in the legal pack and may be relied upon by the purchaser.
A green lane and public footpath run past the entrance to the plot and lead to the beaches at South Milton Sands and Thurlestone Sand, approximately 1.6 miles away. South Milton sits within the South Devon National Landscape. Thurlestone, with its primary school, shop, hotel and links golf course, is close by. The towns of Kingsbridge and Salcombe are both within about five miles.

What3Words Location: ///shallower.decency.against

External Details
The plot is roughly rectangular and level, and is laid to grass. It is enclosed by mature trees and hedgerow on traditional Devon banks, which give the site a good degree of screening and privacy.
The land has road frontage to the east and south at Sutton Cross, with access onto the lane along the southern boundary. A green lane and public footpath pass the entrance. The site lies in Flood Zone 1.


Services
We are advised that mains water and mains electricity are connected, with the water supply taken from the road at the south-west corner of the site.
Foul drainage is not connected. A drainage report has been commissioned and will be added to the legal pack when available. Purchasers should make their own enquiries of the relevant service providers.

Viewing
The plot can be seen from the lane. To walk the site, please arrange an appointment with Charles Darrow on 01626 330022. No direct approach should be made to the vendor. Anyone entering the site does so at their own risk. What3Words Location: ///shallower.decency.against
Virtual tour: https://www.madesnappy.co.uk/tour/1g1528g32b05
Drone video: https://youtu.be/TqRPE_kt6p8

Tenure
Freehold, with vacant possession on completion.

Recently Sold Description
Sold prior to auction amidst strong pre-auction interest to a local couple.

Auction Information
The land is to be sold by BTG Eddisons Property Auctions in their live-streamed online auction on 28 October 2026, with a guide price of £150,000 to £175,000. The lot is offered on an unconditional basis. Binding contracts are exchanged at the fall of the hammer and completion normally follows 20 working days later.
A 10% deposit is payable on exchange, and the purchaser will also pay a buyer’s contribution of £2,500 plus VAT. Further fees may be set out in the special conditions of sale within the legal pack, which should be read in full before bidding. The lot is subject to a reserve price, which will not exceed the upper end of the guide range.
Lending on land with Permission in Principle is limited, and bidders should have funds in place before the auction.
For further information and to register for the legal pack, please visit www.btgeddisonspropertyauctions.com