Subject-to-planning contract for land in County Durham
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 County Durham
Considering a subject-to-planning contract for land in County Durham? Here is how it works and where it fits. County Durham here includes the Tees Valley towns of Darlington, Stockton-on-Tees and Hartlepool as well as Durham, Chester-le-Street, Consett, Bishop Auckland and the former coalfield villages. Green Belt protects land around Durham and between the Tyne and Wear conurbation and nearby towns, while the North Pennines National Landscape covers the west. Former colliery land, edge-of-village fields and older industrial sites are common sources of housing land.
The East Coast Main Line and A1(M) run north to south through the area, linking Darlington and Durham with Newcastle. Much of the county is former coalfield, so mining risk checks are routine, and nutrient neutrality advice has applied in parts of the Tees catchment draining to Teesmouth.
In England, a planning permission normally has to be implemented within three years unless the council sets a different period, and councils aim to decide minor applications within eight weeks and major ones within thirteen.
The Planning and Infrastructure Act 2025 introduced Environmental Delivery Plans and a Nature Restoration Levy in England, which over time may offer an alternative to site-by-site mitigation for some environmental issues.
Some land in County Durham is designated Green Belt. If your land is within it, it may still qualify as grey belt or previously developed land under national policy, subject to the Golden Rules.
Parts of County Durham fall within North Pennines 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 County Durham that often suits a subject-to-planning contract
WantedLand with planning permission
We are interested in sites with planning across the Durham area, including smaller consents that larger housebuilders may pass over. Used where a fresh or amended application would improve the scheme.
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WantedLand without planning permission
Near Durham, 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
Brownfield land in Durham tends to be well located for homes; the questions are usually about contamination, demolition and neighbours. Useful where the change from commercial to residential still needs consent.
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WantedSmall sites
We want to hear about plots for a few homes anywhere around Durham, including ones a larger builder has already turned down. Popular for small plots: you only sell once permission is granted.
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WantedCommercial and industrial sites
In Durham, industrial land that has drifted out of use can often be reimagined as homes, subject to the council's view on employment land. Used where a change of use still needs consent.
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WantedRedundant buildings
Redundant buildings in Durham often sit in the heart of things, close to shops and transport, which can make them strong residential sites. Used where consent or prior approval is still needed.
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WantedGarage courts and yards
Garage courts tucked behind homes in Durham are often ideal for a small number of new houses or bungalows. The usual route for garage courts.
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WantedSites with lapsed or refused planning
We read the planning history of sites across Durham closely; a past refusal often points straight to the fix. The usual route: we make the revised application and complete on success.
Learn moreTowns we cover in County Durham
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.
What happens if planning is refused?
The contract normally lets us appeal, re-apply or withdraw within set timescales. If it ends, you keep your land.
Can I keep using the land meanwhile?
Yes, usually, until completion.
Do you use subject-to-planning contracts for land in County Durham?
Yes. We use subject-to-planning contracts across County Durham and the rest of England, where the structure suits the site and the owner.