First Avenue, Canvey Island, Essex

5.144-Acre Recreational Land for Sale — North West of 1 Ferry Road, Canvey Island SS8

Rare opportunity to acquire 5.144 acres of income-producing recreational land north west of 1 Ferry Road, Canvey Island, Essex SS8. Currently let to local sports clubs, with a guide price of £100,000 plus. For sale by auction with Palace Auctions at Claridge's, Mayfair, on 23rd September 2026 at 12 noon (Lot 42).

The Land

This well-shaped, rectangular parcel extends to 5.144 acres and is currently let to local sports clubs for recreational and sporting use, generating immediate income from day one. The site's open, level layout offers flexibility for continued sporting use or future enhancement, and its established role as a community sports ground supports ongoing demand from local clubs and organisations.

The Location

The land sits north west of 1 Ferry Road in the SS8 postcode, with excellent access to Canvey Island's main road network via the island's two bridges to the mainland. It is close to established sports clubs and open spaces, within a community currently benefiting from a £20 million regeneration programme (2026–2036) covering housing, transport, seafront revitalisation, and community facilities, alongside an £800,000 refurbishment of the nearby Knightswick Shopping Centre.

Planning Context

The land is designated as recreational open space within the Metropolitan Green Belt under Castle Point Borough Council policy, with both adopted and emerging Local Plans strongly protecting it from change of use. Residential or commercial development is considered inappropriate in the Green Belt under the National Planning Policy Framework, and would only be permitted in very special circumstances. Enhancement or diversification of recreational or community uses may be achievable, subject to local policy and demonstrated community need.

Flood Risk

Canvey Island is classified as Flood Zone 3a by the Environment Agency, though the island is protected by a 14-kilometre concrete sea wall, recently upgraded under the TEAM2100 programme. Any future development or change of use would require a Flood Risk Assessment and adherence to flood resilience standards.

Investment Case

Recent auction results for comparable 5-acre recreational sites in Essex have achieved £90,000–£130,000, with regional benchmarks for amenity land at £12,000–£25,000 per acre — confirming the competitive positioning of this £100,000+ guide price. The SS8 0 postcode sector recorded a 13.2% rise in house prices over the past year, supported by limited new-build supply and strong local regeneration investment.

Auction Details

For sale by auction with Palace Auctions London, Lot 42, at Claridge's, Brook Street, Mayfair, London, on 23rd September 2026 at 12 noon. Both in-person and online bidding are available. A pre-auction legal pack can be requested directly from Palace Auctions London, and prospective buyers are advised to review it and seek independent legal advice before bidding.