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Sell land for affordable homes in Accrington

If you own land for affordable housing near Accrington, we can usually tell you quite quickly whether it suits us, and if it doesn't, we'll say why.

Many landowners like the idea of land helping local families. We explain how exception sites work, what the price is based on and how local need is shown.

  • Figures explained, so you can check them
  • No pressure to decide
  • Independent advice encouraged

Selling land near Accrington?

Send the postcode and a rough size.

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

Land around Accrington

Accrington lies in Lancashire, about 14 miles east of Preston. Nearby, we also look at land around Rawtenstall (5 miles), Blackburn (5 miles) and Darwen (6 miles).

Farmland on the coastal plain, the Forest of Bowland National Landscape inland, and green belt around Preston, Blackpool and the east Lancashire towns.

TownAccrington
CountyLancashire
CountryEngland
Postcode districtBB5
OS grid squareSD72
Nearest towns we coverRawtenstall (5 mi), Blackburn (5 mi), Darwen (6 mi)
Distance from PrestonAbout 14 miles east
Planning systemNational Planning Policy Framework and local plan
Ways to sellOutright, subject to planning, option or joint venture
Small group of new brick homes with slate roofs on the edge of a village

What we look for around Accrington

  • Villages with evidence of local housing need
  • Land suitable for a handful of homes up to a small scheme
  • Parish councils open to a community-led scheme
  • Sites where a small share of market homes could help viability, where policy allows it

Affordable and social housing is part of the land-to-homes work we're setting out to do. If you own land on the edge of a village and want it to house local people, a rural exception scheme may be the right route.

What affects the price

Housing need

A local housing needs survey usually has to show demand for the homes.

Land price norms

Exception site land is typically priced well above farmland but below open-market housing land.

Tenure mix

Social rent, affordable rent and shared ownership homes produce different values.

Scheme size

Exception sites are usually small and proportionate to the village.

Choosing how to sell

Outright purchase

Possible once an exception scheme has permission.

Subject-to-planning sale

The usual route: we agree a price and complete when permission is granted.

Option agreements

Useful while housing need is evidenced and a scheme is prepared.

Joint ventures

Can suit estates and charities that want an ongoing say in the homes.

What happens next

  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. We put an offer in writing

    It shows how we got there. There's no obligation to accept.

  4. The legal work

    Your solicitor and ours handle the contract through to completion.

Rules that apply in England

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.

Section 106 and CIL

Larger schemes often need a Section 106 agreement for affordable housing or contributions, and councils that have adopted the Community Infrastructure Levy charge it per square metre of new floorspace.

Rural exception sites

The National Planning Policy Framework supports small rural exception sites for affordable homes that meet a local need.

Awkward details we deal with

You're worried about the price

Exception site land sells for less than market housing land by design. We'll show you the basis so you can compare it with farmland value.

You're a charity or trust

Charity trustees usually need advice from a designated adviser before disposing of land. We'll work with your adviser.

Useful to send us

  • The address or postcode
  • A rough size, in acres or hectares
  • Your title number, if you know it
  • Details of any tenants or grazing agreements

Common questions

What is a rural exception site?

It is a small site, usually next to a village, where planning permission can be granted for affordable homes as an exception to normal policy, to meet a proven local need.

Will I get open-market land value?

No. Exception sites are priced below open-market housing land because the homes must stay affordable. The price is still usually well above agricultural value.

Can some homes be sold on the open market?

Some councils allow a small number of market homes to make a scheme viable. It depends on local policy.

How do I get an offer for land in Accrington?

Use the form on this page or call 0800 088 6248. Tell us the postcode, the rough size and anything you know about planning, and we'll come back to you.

Also near Accrington

Other land types and routes

Ready to talk about your land in Accrington?

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

Get an offerCall 0800 088 6248