Subject-to-planning contract for land in Devon
We agree a price now and complete once a satisfactory planning permission is granted.
A subject-to-planning (conditional) contract is a sale agreed now that only completes once planning permission is granted on terms both sides have defined. We normally pay for the application, and if permission is not obtained the contract can end and the landowner keeps the land.
Subject-to-planning contract for land in Devon
We use subject-to-planning contracts for suitable land across Devon. Devon has no Green Belt, but Dartmoor and part of Exmoor National Parks and the East Devon, North Devon, South Devon, Blackdown Hills and Tamar Valley National Landscapes cover a large share of the county. Growth focuses on Exeter, Plymouth, Torbay and the market towns, with many villages beyond. Edge-of-town greenfield land, farm buildings and smaller infill plots are the usual sources of new housing sites.
The A30, A38 and M5 corridors and the main line from Exeter to Plymouth carry most of Devon's planned growth, including new communities east of Exeter. In coastal towns, flood risk and coastal change can affect sites, while nutrient neutrality advice has applied in the River Axe catchment on the Dorset border.
In England, the revised National Planning Policy Framework published on 17 August 2026 replaced the old "tilted balance" with new settlement policies: development within a settlement should normally be approved unless the harm substantially outweighs the benefits, while land outside a settlement can gain support in defined circumstances.
National policy in England now recognises "medium development" of 10 to 49 homes on sites up to 2.5 hectares, and asks councils to allocate at least 10% of their housing on sites of one hectare or less and a further 10% on sites of one to 2.5 hectares.
Devon has no designated Green Belt, so the main policy questions near Exeter are usually the settlement boundary, landscape and access.
Parts of Devon fall within Dartmoor National Park, Exmoor National Park, East Devon National Landscape, North Devon National Landscape, South Devon National Landscape, Blackdown Hills National Landscape and Tamar Valley National Landscape. Protected landscapes carry strong policy protection, so land in or next to them needs particularly careful assessment.
In short: we agree a price now and complete once a satisfactory planning permission is granted. It usually suits land without planning that has a realistic route; infill, garden and small sites; owners who want a value linked to planning without funding it. See how a subject-to-planning contract works for the full process, pros and cons.
Land in Devon that often suits a subject-to-planning contract
WantedLand with planning permission
For consented land around Exeter, the first things we read are the decision notice, the conditions and any legal agreement attached to the permission. Used where a fresh or amended application would improve the scheme.
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WantedLand without planning permission
Near Exeter, land without planning is worth discussing where it adjoins existing homes or has been put forward to the council's plan. The most common route: we fund the application and complete once permission is granted.
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WantedBrownfield land
Former works, depots and yards in and around Exeter can make good housing sites once the ground and neighbouring uses are understood. Useful where the change from commercial to residential still needs consent.
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WantedGarden and backland plots
In parts of Exeter with long gardens or rear lanes, backland plots can work well if the access is wide enough and neighbours are treated fairly. The usual route: we apply and you only sell if permission is granted.
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WantedStrategic land
Around Exeter, strategic sites tend to be the big fields between the built edge and the main roads, where a whole new neighbourhood could be planned. Possible for the first phase of a larger holding.
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WantedRedundant buildings
We are interested in buildings around Exeter that have outlived their original use, whether they would be converted or replaced. Used where consent or prior approval is still needed.
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WantedBarns and rural buildings
We look at barns and rural yards around Exeter and give a straight view on whether conversion or replacement is realistic. Common: we seek consent or prior approval and complete if successful.
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WantedAllocated and promoted land
If your land near Exeter appears in the council's plan or its site assessments, send us the reference; it changes the conversation. Used where an application is the next step.
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Subject-to-planning contract: questions
What counts as a satisfactory permission?
The contract defines it: usually the number and type of homes, acceptable conditions and planning obligations, and the end of the judicial review period.
Is there a deposit?
Sometimes a modest deposit is paid on exchange; terms vary by site and are set out in the heads of terms.
Can I keep using the land meanwhile?
Yes, usually, until completion.
Do you use subject-to-planning contracts for land in Devon?
Yes. We use subject-to-planning contracts across Devon and the rest of England, where the structure suits the site and the owner.