Homes Under the Hammer’s Martin Roberts baffled as public toilet that ‘isn’t even safe to stand on’ is put up for sale
HOMES Under the Hammer’s Martin Roberts was left baffled after a public toilet “not even safe to stand on” was put up for sale.
The 57-year-old presenter visited an abandoned property that had been snubbed at auction.
BBC One viewers joined Martin as he inspected the derelict loo in Fife, Scotland.
The property expert explained that the former public toilet was overpriced at auction for £35,000.
He said: “It’s one of those really unusual types of property that rarely makes it into the auction catalogue.
“It is a former public toilet, but you wouldn’t guess it from the outside! Look at that! £35,000 plus was a lot for a loo.”
The TV host explored the property and discovered that there were some serious structural issues with the house.
Martin remarked: “There’s a gents and ladies at the front and what used to be a disabled facility outback.
“That could be regarded as the upper floor, but clearly not safe enough to stand on even if you could get there.”
Despite the obvious work that needs to be done, Martin was impressed with the vast amount of space.
He continued: “I mean, bizarre thing to say, as public toilets go, these are actually quite nice, very lofty, lots of space, you don’t feel claustrophobic.
“The interesting thing is, you can see the sash windows up there. But what have we got?
“As expected, we’re in the ladies’ side here, sinks, cubicles with the original toilets, one thing you’re certainly not going to have to install is a sewerage system.”
Martin added: “What an intriguing property it is turning out to be. Slightly more than you might expect from a former public convenience.
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“Surprisingly at the back here you’ve also this area which is opening up all sorts of possibilities.
“This could be the garden and there’s a narrow strip of land down the side which means you could think about getting access there.
“Ideally though you’d want to get access to this bit of land. So, negotiations might be done with the neighbours. Either way it’s a great extra space.”
Martin explained that he could see plenty of potential with the property, but any investors would need to apply for a planning application to convert it to either a residential unit or commercial premises.
Expert Shaun Vigers advised Martin that the property would be better suited as a residential unit.
Shaun explained: “I think that’s the best option for the property and I think that’s the one that is most likely to go through the planners.
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“There’s some ground towards the rear of the property which could create a small garden.
“I think one issue that potentially the property has to get over is parking. There is on street parking available but it would be difficult to create some dedicated parking for the property.”
Homes Under the Hammer is available to watch on BBC iPlayer.