THE green and pleasant hills of Saddleworth are proving rich pickings when they come up for sale, a top auction house has revealed.

The sale price for three parcels of land situated in the green belt and not suitable for development increased by more than 100 per cent when they went under the auctioneer’s hammer.

Chadderton-born Ian Hill has been a director of Ryder & Dutton for 30 years and controls the fortunes of Auction House Manchester.

He said: “Land is always of huge interest and we attract multiple bidders that ensures the maximum price is achieved.

“The success of our traditional auction method is highlighted by the land at Platt Lane, Dobcross, which had been on the market previously for £70,000 and sold in our auction for £106,000.

“Prices achieved have been a stunning advert for this tried and trusted auction method with prices, in all cases, massively exceeding the vendors' expectations.

“At the present time we are unable to hold room auctions but our live stream allows you to watch the auctioneer who takes bids over the internet as well as telephone and proxy bids and our great success rate is just as good, Livestream, as it is when we hold them at a venue.

“In the past, auctions have been seen as a last resort but now traditional auctions are mainstream with excellent prices being achieved - sometimes more than when a property has been on the market privately."

The 5.9 acre Dobcross land sale was described in the notes as “a charming parcel of green belt agricultural land which slopes downwards from Platt Lane, Dobcross with stunning views overlooking the valley. The plot is suitable for agricultural use.”

And in Uppermill, 1.5 acres of grazing land off Church Road with a guide price price of £20,000 - £30,000 sold for £63,000.

It was offered as a “rare opportunity to acquire a parcel of Greenbelt land just a short drive from Uppermill Village and its amenities. The land which is fenced, can be accessed by foot.”

At an auction in May last year, two acres of Greenbelt land on the A62 Huddersfield Road opposite Delph and Dobcross Cricket Club with a guide price of £10,000-£20,000 sold for £88,000.

Mr Hill’s speciality has been dealing with disposals and valuations on all types of commercial property and land as well as providing development advice and advice in respect of commercial leases.

Latterly he has headed up the company's auction business as “Auction House Manchester” holding successful room auctions at the Etihad and “Auction House West Yorkshire” holding successful auctions at Elland Road.