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Sell land with planning permission in Chelmsford

If you own land with planning permission near Chelmsford, we can usually tell you quite quickly whether it suits us, and if it doesn't, we'll say why.

Land with planning permission has consent from the local planning authority to build a specific development, either in outline (the principle) or in full (the detailed design). We buy consented sites directly, check the permission and its conditions, and make an offer you can accept without marketing the land.

  • No commission: we're the buyer
  • Figures explained, so you can check them
  • Independent advice encouraged

Selling land near Chelmsford?

Free, no-obligation appraisal.

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Free and no obligation. We're the buyer, so there's no commission.

Land around Chelmsford

From Chelmsford, it's 8 miles to Billericay and 9 miles to Witham. We buy land across that whole stretch of Essex, not only within the town.

Metropolitan Green Belt covers the south and west of the county, while mid and north Essex have larger areas of farmland around growing towns.

TownChelmsford
CountyEssex
CountryEngland
Postcode districtCM1
OS grid squareTL70
Nearest towns we coverBillericay (8 mi), Witham (9 mi), Maldon (9 mi)
Distance from Southend-on-SeaAbout 17 miles north-west
Planning systemNational Planning Policy Framework and local plan
Ways to sellOutright, subject to planning, option or joint venture
Greenfield site with timber setting-out pegs and orange tape beside a temporary mesh fence

Is your land near Chelmsford a good fit?

  • Full or outline permission for one home or more
  • Reserved matters approvals or discharge-of-conditions decisions already in place
  • Prior approvals for conversions, such as agricultural buildings to homes
  • Plots with permission in principle

A site with a live planning permission is the simplest land to sell. The main questions are whether the permission is still valid, what its conditions require and how much the Section 106 agreement costs to deliver.

What decides the value of land with planning permission near Chelmsford

Type of permission

Full permission carries less risk than outline, which still needs reserved matters approval.

Pre-commencement conditions

Conditions that must be discharged before building starts can add surveys, cost and delay.

Scheme quality

A scheme that is hard to build or sell may need redesigning, which reduces the land value.

Sale values nearby

What similar new homes sell for locally sets the ceiling on value.

Choosing how to sell

Outright purchase

The usual route for consented land: agree a price, then exchange and complete.

Subject-to-planning sale

Useful if you want us to improve or renew the permission before completion.

Option agreements

Rarely needed once consent exists, but can suit phased sites.

Joint ventures

An option if you would like a share of the profit from building the homes.

From first call to completion

  1. Tell us about your land

    Send the postcode or address and a rough size.

  2. We check it properly

    Title, planning history, access, flood maps and local policy.

  3. You get a written offer

    With the main figures behind it, so your adviser can check it.

  4. Solicitors complete the sale

    Exchange and complete, or exchange now and complete when planning is granted.

Planning and legal points for land in Essex

Planning framework

Planning decisions in England follow the National Planning Policy Framework, revised in August 2026, and the local plan, prepared by the council or, in a national park, the park authority. Plans are reviewed periodically, which is when new housing sites are usually allocated.

Biodiversity net gain

Under the Environment Act 2021, most developments in England must deliver at least a 10% gain in biodiversity. Since 6 August 2026, sites of 0.2 hectares or less are exempt unless priority habitat is affected.

Agricultural buildings (Class Q)

In England, Class Q permitted development can allow some agricultural buildings to become homes through prior approval, within limits on size and number of homes.

Common problems, and how we handle them

The permission is about to expire

In England a full permission normally lasts three years and in Wales five. We check whether a lawful start has been made or whether a new application is the better route.

The Section 106 makes the scheme unviable

If costs have moved since consent, a viability review or a variation may be possible. We will tell you if we think that is realistic.

Useful to send us

  • Your title number, if you know it
  • Details of any tenants or grazing agreements
  • Photos of the land and its access
  • How soon you'd ideally like to sell

What people ask us about land with planning permission

How long does planning permission last?

In England, full planning permission usually requires work to start within three years, and in Wales within five, unless the decision notice says otherwise. Outline permissions have separate time limits for reserved matters. The decision notice sets out the exact dates.

Do you pay more for full permission?

Usually, because there is less risk and less work before building can start. How much more depends on the conditions and obligations attached.

Can you exchange quickly on a consented site?

Often, yes, because the planning question is answered. The pace then depends on title, searches and how quickly both solicitors work.

Can you visit land near Chelmsford?

Yes. Once we've looked at the title and planning position, we arrange a site visit if the land looks suitable. Send the address or postcode to start.

Land with planning permission near Chelmsford

Other land in Chelmsford

Get a straight answer about your land

A free appraisal tells you what we'd pay and why.

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