Subject-to-planning contract for land in South Glamorgan
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 South Glamorgan
Considering a subject-to-planning contract for land in South Glamorgan? Here is how it works and where it fits. South Glamorgan covers Cardiff and the rural Vale to the west, including Barry, Penarth, Llantwit Major and Rhoose. Green wedges protect open land around Cardiff, and Future Wales anticipates a green belt for the wider region once a regional plan sets its boundary. Typical sites include brownfield and former industrial land in Cardiff, edge-of-town fields around Barry and the Vale villages, and infill plots, with coastal and river flood risk assessed under TAN 15.
Cardiff is a major focus for new homes in Wales, with regeneration around Cardiff Bay, the city centre and stations on the South Wales Metro. The Glamorgan Heritage Coast, conservation areas and the airport at Rhoose shape what is suitable in the rural Vale.
Welsh planning policy seeks a net benefit for biodiversity rather than using England's statutory biodiversity net gain metric, so ecology is assessed differently on Welsh sites.
In parts of Wales where Welsh is widely spoken, councils may consider the effect of new housing on the Welsh language when preparing plans and deciding applications.
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 South Glamorgan that often suits a subject-to-planning contract
WantedResidential development land
Sites on the edge of Cardiff or the villages nearby can be worth a conversation, especially where they are well connected by road and bus or rail. Common for land without planning: we agree a price now and complete once a suitable permission is granted.
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WantedBrownfield land
In Cardiff, the brownfield sites we look at are often tucked behind main roads or alongside older housing, close to services. Useful where the change from commercial to residential still needs consent.
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WantedGarden and backland plots
Backland development in Cardiff turns on access and privacy; we look at both before suggesting whether an application is worth making. The usual route: we apply and you only sell if permission is granted.
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WantedFarmland and paddocks
Fields that wrap around the edges of Cardiff and its neighbouring villages are the farmland we most want to talk about. Works well for smaller paddocks and edge-of-village fields.
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WantedStrategic land
Around Cardiff, 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 Cardiff that have outlived their original use, whether they would be converted or replaced. Used where planning consent is still needed.
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WantedBarns and rural buildings
In the countryside around Cardiff, redundant barns and yards can sometimes become homes, depending on the building and the route available. Common: we seek planning consent and complete if successful.
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WantedGarage courts and yards
Garage courts tucked behind homes in Cardiff are often ideal for a small number of new houses or bungalows. The usual route for garage courts.
Learn moreTowns we cover in South Glamorgan
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 South Glamorgan?
Yes. We use subject-to-planning contracts across South Glamorgan and the rest of Wales, where the structure suits the site and the owner.