A derelict house that neighbours say has been left in an unfinished state for almost half a century is set to go under the hammer.

The empty property on the outskirts of Chippenham, at The Square on London Road, Pewsham, has caused intrigue amongst neighbours and passing motorists on the busy A4 for many years.

London Road residents say the mysterious house - opposite Forest Gate business park - has been left in a half-built state for between 40 and 50 years after the owner at the time gave up on their renovation project.

The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald: The derelict house in Pewsham

One neighbour said: “It’s been like that for 40 or 50 years now. I don’t know why, the guy who was doing it up just stopped doing it.”

But that could be set to change after the house was listed for auction, by estate agents Connells, with a guide price of £175,000.

The roadside property, which is not registered with the Land Registry, has been described as a development opportunity and comes with a spacious plot of land to the rear.

The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald: The derelict house in Pewsham

In an online listing, a spokesperson for Connells said: “A development and restoration opportunity subject to planning and local consents.

“The current dwelling has been uninhabited for many years. The property is located off the London Road in Pewsham and comes with a generous plot/rear garden.

Potential buyers will have the opportunity to attend an open house on May 27.