EXCLUSIVE pictures have revealed how much a pretty cottage has fallen into disrepair, as the council prepares to sell it at auction.

Elizabeth Cottage, on the junction of Norsey Road and High Street, Billericay, dates back to the 1900s and was a much-loved landmark on the High Street.

However, the cottage fell into a state of disrepair after the owners began demolishing it without permission, ripping off the roof.

The council stepped in, spending over £28,000 weather proofing the building and protecting it from further damage.

It has now obtained power of sale from the Land Registry, after two years of failed attempts to get in touch with the owners, and will be selling the property at auction.

However, as the photos reveal the building has been left in a terrible state of repair, with the floorboards damaged and missing, the ceiling falling apart and rubbish strewn everywhere.

People have been getting into the property, despite the dangers.
A missing back door enabled photos to be taken of the inside of the property by our reporter.

Anyone who takes on the property would be responsible for carrying out work to repair the roof, but then would be free to apply for planning permission to do anything to the house, including converting it into flats, a retail unit or shop.

A Basildon Council spokesman said: “The council is not taking ownership of Elizabeth Cottage.

“By registering our outstanding financial charges with the Land Registry, Basildon Council has been able to force the property’s sale at auction.

“The obligation to restore the building, which is in a conservation area, in accordance with the extant enforcement notice, would fall to the new owners.

“Any application for a potential change of use for the site would be considered by the council as part of the normal planning process and would be treated on its merits.”