Sell land subject to planning in Cambridge
If you own land near Cambridge, you may be wondering whether a subject-to-planning sale would suit you. The answer depends on your land's planning prospects and how soon you want to be paid.
If your land has a good chance of permission but doesn't have it yet, a subject-to-planning deal usually achieves more than an outright sale.
- Figures explained, so you can check them
- Independent advice encouraged
- We fund the planning work
Selling land near Cambridge?
Send the postcode and a rough size.
Where Cambridge sits
From Cambridge, it's 12 miles to St Ives and 13 miles to Newmarket. We buy land across that whole stretch of Cambridgeshire, not only within the town.
Flat arable fenland in the north contrasts with a fast-growing Cambridge area in the south, where the Cambridge green belt surrounds the city.
| Town | Cambridge |
|---|---|
| County | Cambridgeshire |
| Country | England |
| Postcode district | CB21 |
| OS grid square | TL45 |
| Nearest towns we cover | St Ives (12 mi), Newmarket (13 mi), Ely (15 mi) |
| Distance from Peterborough | About 30 miles south-east |
| Planning system | National Planning Policy Framework and local plan |
| When you're paid | On completion, after permission is granted |
| Planning costs | Ours |
Is a subject-to-planning sale right for your land?
- Building plots and garden land without permission
- Small sites with a clear planning case
- Owners willing to wait for a higher price
- Land with a registered title
A conditional contract shares the planning risk fairly. You agree a price today, we fund and run the planning application, and the sale completes if permission comes through.
How the money works
Price basis
The price is set against the land's value with permission, so it's usually higher than an unconditional offer.
Long-stop date
If permission isn't granted by an agreed date, either side can end the contract.
Appeals
Contracts say whether we can appeal a refusal and how long that adds.
Deposit
A deposit is usually paid on exchange and held until completion.
Land near Cambridge that a subject-to-planning sale suits
Green belt and grey belt land in Cambridge
Suits brownfield green belt sites where a scheme can be tested quickly.
Land for affordable homes in Cambridge
The usual route: we agree a price and complete when permission is granted.
Garden land and backland in Cambridge
The usual route for garden land: we complete when permission is granted.
Small sites in Cambridge
The most common route for small unconsented sites.
How a sale works
Tell us about your land
Send the postcode or address and a rough size.
We check it properly
Title, planning history, access, flood maps and local policy.
We put an offer in writing
It shows how we got there. There's no obligation to accept.
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.
Awkward details we deal with
You're worried about being tied up indefinitely
A long-stop date sets the maximum time. If permission isn't granted by then, you're free.
You're worried we'll get permission for something you don't like
The contract can set out the scheme or limits on what we apply for.
Useful to send us
- Any planning applications or letters
- Details of any tenants or grazing agreements
- Photos of the land and its access
- How soon you'd ideally like to sell
Your questions answered
What is a subject-to-planning sale?
A sale where contracts are exchanged now, but completion depends on planning permission being granted. If it isn't granted by the long-stop date, the contract can end.
What happens if planning is refused?
We may appeal if the contract allows. If permission isn't secured by the long-stop date, the contract ends and you keep your land.
Do I get a deposit?
A deposit is usually paid on exchange, with terms set out in the contract.
Can you visit land near Cambridge?
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.
Other land types and routes
- Development land
- Land with planning permission
- Land without planning permission
- Large strategic sites
- 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
- Option agreements
- Joint ventures
- All land in Cambridge
- Subject-to-planning sale in Cambridgeshire
Ready to talk about your land in Cambridge?
Send the postcode and a rough size. We'll check the title and planning position and come back to you.