THE former NatWest bank building in Holsworthy’s Town Square has been sold at auction and the new owners have expressed a wish to create a ‘commercial and residential development’.

The property sold for £163,500, plus fees.

Speaking on behalf of the purchasers, Graham Barton, BBC One’s Homes Under the Hammer auctioneer for Clive Emson, who carried out the sale, said: “It sold at auction on Thursday (December 13) to a Devon buyer.

“The investor, who has a mixed portfolio of properties, has a commercial and residential development in mind and will be looking into a variety of uses for the associated car park.”

Mr Barton said the buyers have an ‘idea or two’ in mind for the possibility of a commercial side to the building but will first involve Torridge District Council’s planning department to see what is viable.

With the building holding a central position in the town, residents in the town have speculated about the new use for the building which has stood empty since NatWest closed the branch on June 14, 2018.

Despite being unable to provide specific details about the property’s future use, Mr Barton did assure the Post he did not believe the property would be ‘land banked’ for long as the buyer seems keen to progress with the development once appropriate planning consents have been achieved.

“It is not something I expect to be land banked. They are very motivated and driven developers and I think there will be signs of activity before long.”