Sell strategic land and large sites in Ashton-in-Makerfield
Our interest in strategic land around Ashton-in-Makerfield is simple: we're buying land to build homes on, so we look for sites where homes are realistic and price them on that basis.
Strategic land is a long game. We set out the planning route, who pays for what, and how the final price is worked out before you commit to anything.
- Free appraisal and written offer
- No commission: we're the buyer
- Figures explained, so you can check them
Get an offer for land in Ashton-in-Makerfield
We'll check the title and planning, then call you.
Where Ashton-in-Makerfield sits
From Ashton-in-Makerfield, it's 2 miles to Golborne and 3 miles to Newton-le-Willows. We buy land across that whole stretch of Greater Manchester, not only within the town.
| Town | Ashton-in-Makerfield |
|---|---|
| County | Greater Manchester |
| Country | England |
| Postcode district | WN4 |
| OS grid square | SJ59 |
| Nearest towns we cover | Golborne (2 mi), Newton-le-Willows (3 mi), St Helens (4 mi) |
| Distance from Manchester | About 17 miles west |
| Planning system | National Planning Policy Framework and local plan |
| Ways to sell | Outright, subject to planning, option or joint venture |
What we look for around Ashton-in-Makerfield
- Blocks of land of several acres on the edge of towns and larger villages
- Land without major heritage, ecology or flood constraints
- Sites close to schools, shops and public transport
- Land where a phased scheme could start on a smaller first phase
Strategic land is a long game. We set out the planning route, who pays for what, and how the final price is worked out before you commit to anything.
What affects the price
Infrastructure
New roads, schools or drainage on a large scheme are paid for out of land value.
Minimum price
A floor price protects you if values fall during a long planning process.
Term length
Longer agreements give more time for planning but tie up your land for longer.
Phasing
Large sites are often bought in phases, with payments staged to match.
Ways to sell this land
Outright purchase
Rare on unallocated strategic land, but possible at a risk-adjusted price.
Subject-to-planning sale
A fixed or formula price paid once an acceptable permission is granted.
Option agreements
The usual route: an option fee now and a price based on market value later.
Joint ventures
Lets you share in the development value if you can wait for it.
How a sale works
Send us the address
A postcode, a plan or a what3words location is enough to start.
We check it properly
Title, planning history, access, flood maps and local policy.
You get a written offer
With the main figures behind it, so your adviser can check it.
The legal work
Your solicitor and ours handle the contract through to completion.
Planning and legal points for land in Greater Manchester
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.
Green belt and grey belt
Green belt land is protected from inappropriate development. National policy in England also recognises 'grey belt': green belt land that doesn't strongly contribute to key green belt purposes, where housing can be acceptable if further tests are met.
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.
Common problems, and how we handle them
Several family members own the land
We can work with all owners and their advisers, and agreements can set out how payments are split.
The land is farmed by a tenant
Tenancies need managing before building can start. We look at notice periods and compensation early.
Useful to send us
- A rough size, in acres or hectares
- Your title number, if you know it
- Any planning applications or letters
- How soon you'd ideally like to sell
Questions from landowners near Ashton-in-Makerfield
What counts as strategic land?
There's no legal definition. In practice it means larger sites, often over five acres, whose route to development runs through the local plan or a major planning application.
How is the price worked out on an option?
Most options set the price as a percentage of market value once permission is granted, less agreed deductions, with a minimum price to protect you. We explain every deduction before you sign.
Can I farm the land while planning is pursued?
Usually, yes. Agreements normally let you keep using the land until the buyer needs it.
How do I get an offer for land in Ashton-in-Makerfield?
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.
Other land in Ashton-in-Makerfield
- Development land
- Land with planning permission
- Land without planning permission
- Green belt and grey belt land
- Land for affordable homes
- Farmland and agricultural land
- Paddocks and equestrian land
- Barns and rural buildings
- Building plots
- Garden land and backland
- Infill plots and gap sites
- Small sites
- Garage sites
- Brownfield land
- Redundant commercial and industrial land
- Inherited and probate land
- Landlocked land and access problems
- Outright purchase
- Subject-to-planning sale
- Option agreements
- Joint ventures
- All land in Ashton-in-Makerfield
- Large strategic sites in Greater Manchester
Get a straight answer about your land
A free appraisal tells you what we'd pay and why.