A BUILDING that has been a blot on the landscape in Ross-on-Wye for over a decade could be poised for a new life as luxury apartments after being snapped up at auction.

The eyesore in Wye Street, a tired and dilapidated block of four derelict flats could be looking forward to a bright future as the building has full planning permission for conversion.

The block, which is in a poor state of repair, was sold by Paul Fosh Auctions for £321,000.

Angie Davey, of the Newport-based property auctioneers, said: “The run-down property has existing planning permission to convert and to add an additional storey to create six, two-bedroom luxury apartments.

“That scheme, for which there are drawings showing how the project could look once complete, would provide superb accommodation within walking distance to the bustling and scenic historic market town of Ross.

“The elevated position of the property provides far reaching views across the majestic River Wye with its picturesque walks and water pursuits.

“The new owner may include the same specifications in their own scheme or may amend accordingly, within the planning guidelines and constraints.”

The new, local owner of the property, who has not been named, is said to be considering their options as regards the future of the building.

Contractors moved in earlier this year and boarded up the derelict building and removed the cheeky blue plaque that described the block of flats as being a ‘fine example of urban neglect’.

Dating from the early 1970s, the three-storey Riverview Flats are located within the town’s conservation area.

A previous design for a four-storey replacement block was refused by Herefordshire planners in March 2021, a decision which was further dismissed at an appeal by a government inspector in 2022.

The proposed building’s new lower-key modern design for the prominent will house the accommodation on the three upper floors, with the ground-floor being used for parking as at present.