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Sell land subject to planning in Scarborough

If you own land near Scarborough, 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.

  • Free appraisal and written offer
  • No commission: we're the buyer
  • Independent advice encouraged

Get an offer for land in Scarborough

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Scarborough at a glance

Scarborough lies in North Yorkshire, some 35 miles north-east of York. Nearby, we also look at land around Bridlington (16 miles), Driffield (19 miles) and Beverley (30 miles).

TownScarborough
CountyNorth Yorkshire
CountryEngland
Postcode districtYO11
OS grid squareTA08
Nearest towns we coverBridlington (16 mi), Driffield (19 mi), Beverley (30 mi)
Distance from YorkAbout 35 miles north-east
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

  • Small sites with a clear planning case
  • Land where a previous permission has lapsed
  • 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.

What to check in a subject-to-planning sale

Acceptable permission

The contract defines what counts as an acceptable consent.

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.

Your use meanwhile

You normally keep using the land until completion.

What happens next

  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. Solicitors complete the sale

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

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 want to know what 'acceptable' permission means

The contract defines it, such as a minimum number of homes. Your solicitor should check it carefully.

Useful to send us

  • A rough size, in acres or hectares
  • A plan, or a screenshot from an online map
  • Your title number, if you know it
  • Details of any tenants or grazing agreements

Common questions

Who pays for the planning application?

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

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 Scarborough?

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.

Get a straight answer about your land

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