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Sell land subject to planning in Carlisle

We offer a subject-to-planning sale on land across Cumbria, including sites around Carlisle, Penrith and Cockermouth.

A subject-to-planning sale, or conditional contract, is a sale where contracts are exchanged now but completion only happens once an acceptable planning permission is granted. It lets you agree a price based on the land's value with permission, while the buyer pays for and manages the application.

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

Get an offer for land in Carlisle

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

Carlisle at a glance

Carlisle lies in Cumbria, where it is the main town we cover. Nearby, we also look at land around Penrith (17 miles), Cockermouth (23 miles) and Maryport (25 miles).

Upland farming country. The Lake District National Park covers the central fells, so most growth is focused on Carlisle, Kendal and the west coast towns.

TownCarlisle
CountyCumbria
CountryEngland
Postcode districtCA1
OS grid squareNY35
Nearest towns we coverPenrith (17 mi), Cockermouth (23 mi), Maryport (25 mi)
Planning systemNational Planning Policy Framework and local plan
When you're paidOn completion, after permission is granted
Planning costsOurs
Land surveyor with a GNSS survey pole in a grass field next to a hedgerow

Who a subject-to-planning sale works best for

  • Building plots and garden land without permission
  • Small sites with a clear planning case
  • Brownfield sites needing a housing permission
  • Sites where the planning period can be agreed in advance

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.

The terms that matter

Long-stop date

If permission isn't granted by an agreed date, either side can end the contract.

Acceptable permission

The contract defines what counts as an acceptable consent.

Deposit

A deposit is usually paid on exchange and held until completion.

Your use meanwhile

You normally keep using the land until completion.

How a sale works

  1. Send us the address

    A postcode, a plan or a what3words location is enough to start.

  2. We do the homework

    We read the title and planning record and check flood risk and access.

  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.

What England's rules mean for your land

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

  • The address or postcode
  • A plan, or a screenshot from an online map
  • Your title number, if you know it
  • Any planning applications or letters

What people ask us about a subject-to-planning sale

Who pays for the planning application?

We do, along with the surveys and consultants needed to support it.

Can I still use the land before completion?

Usually yes, until we need access for surveys or until completion.

How long does the planning stage take?

In England the statutory period is eight weeks for most applications and thirteen for major ones; in Wales it's eight weeks. Both extend to sixteen weeks where an environmental impact assessment is needed, and surveys, validation and negotiation often add time.

Can you visit land near Carlisle?

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.

Find out what we'd pay for your land near Carlisle

Call 0800 088 6248 or send the details. There's no obligation.