A prominent building overlooking Diss Mere that was formerly the headquarters of South Norfolk Conservatives is to be sold at auction.

Diss Mercury: The Grasmere Social Club overlooking Diss Mere, formerly headquarters of South Norfolk Conservatives, is set to be sold atauction. Picture: Simon ParkinThe Grasmere Social Club overlooking Diss Mere, formerly headquarters of South Norfolk Conservatives, is set to be sold atauction. Picture: Simon Parkin (Image: Archant)

The property on Denmark Street, with gardens leading down to the Mere and panoramic views of the town, also used to be the constituency office of South Norfolk MP Richard Bacon but is now solely occupied by the Grasmere Social Club, which has a tenancy until December 2020.

It is being marketed as "rare and fantastic opportunity" that could offer "further potential" for apartments or townhouses subject to planning consent ahead of a property auction on July 31.

The 1960s building was the centre of a four-year planning dispute after South Norfolk Conservative Association submitted plans in 2009 to demolish it for a flats development. Opposition saw a petition to save the social club signed by more than 1,200 people.

The property subsequently received planning permission for conversion into 14 apartments in 2013 but this has now lapsed.