Bid to put auction house in Ottery

Ottery could soon have its own auction house after plans to turn an empty industrial unit into a selling room were submitted.

Experienced auctioneer David Sumner is bidding to hold monthly furniture and occasional antique and collectable sales at the Finnimore estate.

A planning application to change the use of two of the units from industrial to auctions is now with the district council for a decision.

In a letter of support for the proposal Mr Sumner, from Taleford, said he has ‘extensive knowledge’ of auctions having worked in sales rooms locally and internationally for more than a decade, and comes from a family of antique dealers and collectors.

He said he chose Ottery as a location because there is a lack of competition in the area and local demand for modern furniture, but said his long-term goal is to expand into the Chinese market.

Mr Sumner said: “We would be taking over a redundant industrial unit, empty for more than two years, on the edge of Ottery and turning it into a vibrant business that can only add to the social and economic growth.”