by Anna Lindsay BBC News Online, Southampton

So it came as a surprise to find offers for a former seaside toilet block being invited in excess of �25,000.

In pictures: The loo with a view

Granted, its location may be one of the UK's finest - just metres from Charmouth beach in Dorset - but what could an ex-loo, complete with "adjacent patio garden", have to offer at such a price?

Planning permission, it turns out.

Despite being run-down and completely uninhabitable in its current state, local planners say it can be converted into a beach chalet.

And at such a popular tourist spot, interest has grown during the month it has been on the market.

Paul Iles, of Martin Diplock Estate Agents, told BBC News Online: "At the moment it is in a pretty sorry state.

"But the site does have planning permission to convert it to a day chalet, which would consist of a living area, a kitchen area, a shower and, naturally, a toilet.

'Changed his mind'

"And a patio area outside with French doors."

Sunken into a bank, the 4.5m by 4m block has clear views over the beach at Charmouth, a Heritage Coast village, where the average price of a two-bedroom detached home costs more than �250,000.

With plumbing and a working electricity supply at the block, the idea of buying such a property begins to seem less absurd.

The former toilet block overlooks Charmouth beach

Still split into gents' and ladies' facilities, Mr Iles says the planning permission includes being able to knock down the partition wall.

"We have had quite a considerable amount of interest, it is a wonderful position, only yards from the beach," Mr Iles said.

"The owner is prepared to let us market it for another few weeks to see whether it would create even more interest over Easter period, when many tourists come here."

Bought 18 months ago for what is believed to have been more than �37,000, it is already back on the market.

"The gentleman owner merely changed his mind. He wants the money to move on to other projects," Mr Iles said.