A Grade II listed Georgian townhouse in Chester is being marketed as a renovation opportunity, with consent advertised for a rear extension, roof terrace and internal alterations. The guide price is £335,000, and the online auction is scheduled for 21–22 October 2026. For buyers drawn to period features and the chance to reshape a home, it may be worth a closer look, but consent in place is a reason to investigate, not a reason to skip checks.
A promising starting point, not a finished plan
The property at 20 Cuppin Street is described as a substantial townhouse within Chester’s historic city walls. The auction listing says it has been stripped back and requires comprehensive refurbishment. Its period features include fireplaces, a staircase, decorative ceilings and panelling.
The selling agent advertises a £335,000 guide price, while the auctioneer’s listing shows a £320,000 starting bid. These are different figures and neither should be treated as the final sale price. Check the latest auction listing and read the legal pack before deciding what the property is worth to you.
Check exactly what the consents allow
The listing refers to planning permission and Listed Building Consent for a single-storey rear extension, an extension to the first-floor roof terrace and internal alterations. The application references are 26/00710/FUL and 26/00711/LBC.
Ask your solicitor or planning professional to obtain the decision notices and approved drawings, then compare them with the work you hope to carry out. Check the permissions relate to the property being sold, what conditions apply, whether any conditions still need to be discharged, and whether the consents remain valid to implement.
Planning permission and Listed Building Consent are separate. Listed Building Consent may be needed for works affecting a listed building’s special character, including some internal alterations. As Historic England’s guidance explains, buyers should check the consent position rather than assume that a planning approval covers every aspect of a project. Ask whether the stripping-out already carried out was authorised, too.
Do your auction due diligence before bidding
Instruct a solicitor experienced in auction purchases and listed buildings to review the legal pack. Check the title, searches, special conditions, fees, completion timetable and any restrictions or obligations. Auction terms can be binding, so establish what you would be committing to before you bid.
Arrange a thorough survey with a professional familiar with historic buildings. The listing describes the house as needing comprehensive refurbishment, so investigate the structure, roof, damp, services and condition of retained features. Ask a conservation-experienced architect or contractor to price the approved works and flag likely unknowns.
Practical takeaway: check before bidding
Set a maximum bid using the full project cost, not just the guide price. Include purchase and auction costs, professional fees, refurbishment, any required consent work and a contingency for surprises. If the paperwork, condition or costs remain unclear, pause and get advice before committing.
Explore more practical ideas for improving your home at Improve Magazine.
Explore more ideas for your home