A small plot of land adjacent to Mitcham Common has been sold for £36,000 at auction to a private buyer.

Fierce bidding was reported to have taken place at last month's auction for the 0.28 acres of woodland opposite the Ravensbury Arms in Carshalton Road.

The starting price for the plot was £5,000, but the winning bid went to Bharat Karbal for more than six times that amount.

The independent buyer, who said he would not describe himself as a "property developer", told the Wimbledon Guardian: "This is an interesting site.

"The plan is to take extensive expert advice on what is possible and reconcile this properly with what the planning department at Merton Council feel is appropriate.

"It is definitely an exercise that will take some considerable time."

He said building housing on the site was a possibility. It is understood he bought several other empty plots at the auction.

Friends of Mitcham Common had asked Mitcham Commons Conservators (MCC) to buy the land, offering to pay 10 per cent of the sale, up to £500.

It is understood MCC did not enter a bid, but they were not available for comment.

The empty plot, which once contained two cottages, was sold by City of London Investment Trust plc at an auction hosted by Savills on Tuesday, February 17.

How would you like to see the land developed? Comment below, or email louisa.clarence@london.newsquest.co.uk.