Water Tower and Land at Elm Court, North Broomhill, Northumberland

Water Tower Development Opportunity – Lot 91 | Guide £40,000 | Claridge’s Live Auction, 24 June 2026

Secure a rare water tower development opportunity in Northumberland’s Broomhill village. Lot 91, guided at £40,000, is offered freehold with vacant possession and will be sold at Claridge’s Live Auction on 24 June 2026 by Palace Auctions London.
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SEO Title Water Tower Development Opportunity – Lot 91
Meta Description Lot 91 – water tower development opportunity in Northumberland. Guide £40,000. Claridge's Live Auction, 24 June 2026.
URL Slug water-tower-development-opportunity-lot-91-claridges
Focus Keyphrase water tower development opportunity
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Introduction: Water Tower Development Opportunity in Northumberland
Secure a rare water tower development opportunity in Northumberland’s sought-after Broomhill village. Lot 91, guided at £40,000, will be sold at Claridge’s Live Auction on 24 June 2026 by Palace Auctions London. This freehold site, offered with vacant possession, presents a prime prospect for developers, self-builders, and visionary investors. With residential change of use potential (subject to consents), the Broomhill Water Tower is a blank canvas for transformation. The property sits off Elm Court, North Broomhill, Morpeth, NE65 9UD, and offers a generous footprint and architectural character. Plans are already drawn for a contemporary three-bedroom, three-bathroom house, highlighting the site’s residential potential. The tranquil rural setting combines with excellent connectivity, making this a standout lot for those seeking a unique project in Northumberland.
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About This Water Tower Development Opportunity
The Broomhill Water Tower is a unique water tower development opportunity in the heart of Northumberland. Located off Elm Court, North Broomhill, Morpeth, NE65 9UD, this freehold property is offered with vacant possession and a guide price of £40,000. The site extends to approximately 761.45 sq m (8,199 sq ft STMS), providing ample space for creative redevelopment. Formerly serving as a water tower, the structure now stands as a blank canvas for transformation. Plans have already been drawn up for a contemporary three-bedroom, three-bathroom house, highlighting the site’s residential potential (subject to necessary consents). This lot is of particular interest to developers and occupiers seeking a distinctive project in a tranquil yet well-connected setting. The auction will take place on 24 June 2026, exclusively with Palace Auctions London, renowned for their expertise in unique property sales.
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Key Features at a Glance
• Lot 91 – Claridge's Live Auction, 24 June 2026
• Guide price: £40,000
• Freehold water tower development opportunity
• Site area: approx. 761.45 sq m (8,199 sq ft STMS)
• Offered with vacant possession
• Residential change of use/development potential (subject to consents)
• Plans drawn for a three-bedroom, three-bathroom contemporary house
• Of interest to developers, self-builders, and investors
• Desirable rural village location – less than 3 miles from Amble
• Northumberland Coast AONB nearby
• Druridge Bay Country Park within easy reach
• X18 bus links; Morpeth station 12 miles; Alnmouth station 10 miles
• Broomhill First School (Ofsted Good 2022) nearby
• Auction venue: Claridge's, London – with Palace Auctions London
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Unlocking Development Potential in Northumberland
This water tower development opportunity stands out in Northumberland’s thriving property market. The freehold status and vacant possession provide a secure foundation for redevelopment. Plans are already drawn for a modern three-bedroom, three-bathroom home, giving buyers a head start on their project. The Northumberland Local Plan 2016–2036 actively supports the conversion of redundant rural buildings, provided proposals meet high design standards and preserve local character. This policy context works in the buyer’s favour. The site’s generous footprint offers flexibility for a range of designs and uses, subject to planning. The property’s proximity to the Northumberland Coast Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty further boosts its appeal. Future residents will enjoy access to some of the UK’s finest landscapes. Self-build enthusiasts and experienced developers will find much to admire here. The guide price of £40,000 makes this an accessible entry point for a potentially high-value project.
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Planning Permission and Change of Use Guidance
Securing planning permission is key to unlocking this water tower development opportunity. Converting a former utility building to residential use requires full planning consent from Northumberland County Council. The local authority encourages the adaptive reuse of redundant structures, provided the design is sympathetic and the building is structurally capable of conversion. Pre-application advice is strongly recommended to clarify requirements and streamline the process. All works must comply with current Building Regulations, including insulation, fire safety, and structural integrity. For detailed guidance, consult the Northumberland County Council planning portal. The auctioneers have not personally inspected the site, and buyers are advised to undertake their own due diligence. For general advice on buying property at auction, refer to GOV.UK guidance on buying property at auction. Act early and seek professional advice to give your bid the strongest possible foundation.
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Water Tower Development Opportunity: UK Conversion Comparables
Water tower development opportunities have captured the imagination of developers and investors across the UK. Notable conversions demonstrate the significant value uplift and lifestyle appeal these projects can deliver. For example, a water tower in Dartmoor, Devon, was purchased for £135,000, with a conversion cost of £66,617, and achieved a post-conversion value of £350,000. In London’s Kennington, a water tower bought for £380,000 underwent a £2 million+ transformation and was marketed at £3.6 million. On the Suffolk Coast, a derelict water tower was converted into a 4,000+ sq ft luxury home, listed at £2.75 million. These examples highlight the scarcity, architectural character, and panoramic views that make water tower development opportunities so desirable. The Broomhill Water Tower offers similar potential, with its rural setting and flexible site area providing a strong foundation for a landmark residential project. At a guide price of £40,000, the entry cost compares very favourably with these UK benchmarks.
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Location — Broomhill Village and the Northumberland Coast
The Broomhill Water Tower sits in the picturesque village of Broomhill, Northumberland. This quiet rural community is known for its traditional stone buildings and tranquil surroundings. The village offers a peaceful lifestyle and a strong sense of community, while remaining well-connected to local amenities and attractions. The property is less than 3 miles from Amble, the “friendliest port in England.” The Northumberland Coast Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty is nearby, offering stunning beaches, scenic walks, and abundant wildlife. Druridge Bay Country Park is also within easy reach, with its expansive sands and nature reserves attracting visitors year-round. This location blends rural charm with everyday convenience, making it an ideal setting for a unique residential conversion. Buyers seeking lifestyle as much as investment will find this location particularly compelling.
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Amble: Less Than 3 Miles Away
Amble is a thriving coastal town just a short drive from the Broomhill Water Tower. Known for its award-winning marina and bustling Harbour Village, Amble offers a wide range of amenities, including supermarkets (Tesco Express, Co-op, Heron), independent shops, cafes, restaurants, and traditional pubs. The town is a hub for watersports, sailing, and wildlife boat trips to Coquet Island, an RSPB seabird sanctuary. The Northumberland Seafood Centre and regular markets add to Amble’s appeal, making it a popular destination for both residents and visitors. The proximity of Amble enhances the lifestyle potential of the Broomhill Water Tower, offering future occupants easy access to coastal leisure and vibrant community life.
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Transport Links and Connectivity
Connectivity is a key advantage of this water tower development opportunity. Broomhill benefits from good transport links for a rural location. The X18 bus service runs along the Northumberland coastline, connecting Newcastle, Morpeth, Amble, and Berwick. The nearest train stations are at Morpeth (12 miles) and Alnmouth (10 miles), both on the East Coast Main Line with direct services to Newcastle, Edinburgh, and London. Road access is straightforward via the A1068, with the A1 trunk road nearby for efficient north-south travel. Newcastle International Airport is approximately 30 miles away, providing a wide range of domestic and international flights. These connections ensure that the Broomhill Water Tower is well-placed for daily commuting and wider travel. Rural living need not mean isolation here.
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Schools and Family Amenities
Families considering this water tower development opportunity will find a good range of local schools and amenities nearby. Broomhill First School is located in North Broomhill, catering to children aged 2 to 11 and rated ‘Good’ by Ofsted in 2022. Other nearby schools include Red Row First School, James Calvert Spence College, Amble First School, and NCEA Warkworth Church of England Primary School. Healthcare needs are met by GP surgeries and dental clinics in Amble and Morpeth. Daily shopping is convenient, with larger supermarkets and retail options in Morpeth. Leisure opportunities are plentiful, from beaches and country parks to golf courses and outdoor activities. The combination of good schools, healthcare, and leisure makes this location well-suited to family life. Active households will thrive in this setting.
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Why Bid at Claridge’s with Palace Auctions London?
Palace Auctions London brings this water tower development opportunity to market at the prestigious Claridge’s Live Auction on 24 June 2026. Palace Auctions London is a trusted name in property auctions, with 192 years of combined auctioneering experience and a 95% completion rate. Buyers benefit from a range of flexible bidding options, including live room bidding at Claridge’s, online, telephone, and proxy bidding. This ensures accessibility for all buyers, wherever they are based. Palace Auctions London’s global network and multilingual support cater to both domestic and international clients. The company is committed to transparency, regulatory compliance, and client-focused service. Comprehensive legal packs are provided, covering title documents, searches, and special conditions. Their expertise in marketing unique and development properties ensures maximum exposure and competitive bidding.
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How to Bid at the 24 June 2026 Auction
Bidding for Lot 91 — the Broomhill Water Tower — takes place on 24 June 2026 at the Claridge’s Live Auction with Palace Auctions London. Register in advance to secure your place. Review the legal pack carefully before bidding; it includes title documents, searches, and special conditions of sale. Bidding can be conducted in the auction room at Claridge’s, online, by telephone, or via proxy. A 10% deposit is payable on the fall of the hammer, with completion required within 28 days. For full details and to view the complete list of lots, view our full auction catalogue. If you are considering selling a property, request a free property valuation from Palace Auctions London. Buyers are strongly advised to seek independent legal and planning advice before bidding. Consult the Northumberland County Council planning portal for guidance on development proposals. For general auction advice, refer to GOV.UK guidance on buying property at auction.
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Summary and Call to Action
The Broomhill Water Tower is a rare water tower development opportunity in one of Northumberland’s most desirable rural settings. It is offered as Lot 91 at the Claridge’s Live Auction on 24 June 2026 with a guide price of £40,000. The freehold site extends to approximately 761.45 sq m (8,199 sq ft STMS) and is offered with vacant possession. Plans are already drawn for a contemporary three-bedroom, three-bathroom home. The supportive local planning context and the Northumberland Local Plan 2016–2036 add further confidence. The property’s proximity to Amble, Morpeth, and the Northumberland Coast ensures a blend of tranquillity and everyday convenience. Transport links, schools, and leisure amenities all support a quality lifestyle in this location. UK comparables demonstrate the significant value uplift that water tower conversions can achieve. At £40,000 guide, this is a compelling entry point. Don’t miss your chance to secure this unique lot.

Ready to bid?
Register now for the auction, review the legal pack, and explore the full range of lots in our auction catalogue.
For tailored advice or to discuss your property’s value, request a free property valuation.
For planning guidance, visit the Northumberland County Council planning portal.
For general auction advice, see GOV.UK guidance on buying property at auction.
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Disclaimer
All measurements are approximate. Plans are for identification only. Buyers must satisfy themselves on all matters. Guide price is not a valuation. Reserve may differ from guide. Terms and conditions of sale apply.
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Reminders:
The Broomhill Water Tower is a standout water tower development opportunity, combining rural charm, development flexibility, and strong investment potential. Register to bid with Palace Auctions London and turn this unique building into your next success.