Plans to convert a toilet block into a cafe could be saved after a mysterious landowner came forward.

The Sutton Guardian appealed in November for an unknown Lord of the Manor, who has land ownership rights for land on Sutton Green, after learning the 1930s toilet block would have to be destroyed unless they could be located.

A bizarre legal conundrum meant the council needed the owners permission to make changes to the building – that has become a health and safety hazard – but did not know who or where he was.

But the mystery appears to have been solved when Sutton Council received a letter on June 1 from a woman claiming to be the landowner.

They are expecting to negotiate terms, possibly for a transfer of the freehold across to the council.

Councillors were briefed on developments at a meeting of Sutton’s local committee last week.

Councillor Marlene Heron, chair of the Sutton Local Committee, said: “This could be an excellent facility for the people of Sutton.

"We’ve spent some time now trying to track down the illusive Lord of the Manor, and we’ve finally made contact.

“I hope we will soon be able to reach an agreement, which could see the freehold transferred to the council. "This would allow us to make a decision on its future and make the most of the building.”