Street with 22 Homes in Sharpness, Gloucestershire, Auctioned for £2.5 Million

Dock Road in Sharpness, Gloucestershire, was sold at auction for £2.5 million to the highest bidder on Thursday. The street was characterized during the auction as “a rare unbroken street of 22 freehold houses and two freehold mixed use buildings.” Approximately one month prior, The Canal and Rivers Trust, which had leased these properties for decades, informed tenants via letter of its decision to sell the street to generate revenue. Although the trust has assured residents they will not be required to vacate their homes, some express apprehension regarding potential rent increases. Ralph Causton, a resident of Dock Road for three years, voiced frustration about not being offered the chance to purchase his property. He stated, “I would’ve snapped their arm off, I would have bought it, I wouldn’t have hesitated.” On Thursday, The Canal and River Trust informed the BBC that it plans to communicate with tenants in writing to confirm the sale and supply information about their new landlord. A spokesperson for the trust commented, “We understand a change of landlord can be unsettling, but there won’t be a change in resident’s tenancies, and we’ll be working with the new owner to ensure a smooth handover of the properties.” The spokesperson added, “We took independent valuation advice ahead of the auction, and as a charity it’s important we raise enough income to look after the regions historic canals so that everyone can use and enjoy them.”