ANOTHER of Birmingham’s historic buildings is set to be sold to the highest bidder – because the council can’t afford to run it.

The decision to dispose of Pype Hayes Hall at an auction angered residents in Erdington who wanted to keep the imposing landmark for community use.

Built in 1620, the Grade II listed building was the home of the Bagot family for 250 years, before being sold to the council in 1920.

It lies in Pype Hayes Park and has been used as a children’s home and, more recently, housed social services officials but is now empty.

Council bosses said they could not afford its running costs, which were put at almost £100,000 a year. Members of the authority’s cabinet property sub-committee agreed to the leasehold sale but insisted on a clause compelling the new owner to restore the building.

It is the latest example of the cash-strapped council raising funds by disposing of historic buildings.

Last month, Hawthorn House in Handsworth Wood, a former library, was sold to chartered accountant Harkamal Sandhu, and some of his relatives.

They paid £775,000 at auction and intend to use it as their family home.