Brownfield land wanted in Tyne and Wear
Looking to sell brownfield land near Tyne and Wear? We assess every site on its merits and explain the options in plain English.
A brownfield site is previously developed land, usually in or near a town. Old use can mean contamination, demolition or difficult ground, but these are often solvable. We look at the history, the ground and the planning position before making an offer.
- Size
- Any
- Planning
- With or without
- Areas
- England & Wales
- Ways we buy
- Outright or conditional
The brownfield land that interests us around Tyne and Wear
Tyne and Wear centres on Newcastle upon Tyne, Gateshead and Sunderland, with South Shields, North Shields, Tynemouth, Whitley Bay, Washington and Jarrow. Green Belt surrounds the conurbation and separates its towns, so most housing comes from previously developed land, former shipyard and industrial sites, and town-centre regeneration. Grey belt and small fringe sites around villages can also come forward.
- Cleared sites and land with hardstanding
- Yards and builders' compounds within towns
- Sites on a brownfield land register (England) or similar
- Sites with known contamination where the history is documented
The Tyne and Wear Metro and the East Coast Main Line are a focus for higher-density homes, and riverside regeneration continues along the Tyne and the Wear. The coast is internationally protected for birds, so schemes near the shore often contribute to recreation mitigation, and coal mining legacy checks are common inland.
What usually makes or breaks it
Demolition and ground
Old foundations, tanks and services add cost, so we allow for them in our appraisal.
Neighbouring uses
Noise or smells from neighbouring businesses can affect whether homes are acceptable.
Employment land policy
Some councils protect employment land; we check whether a change to housing would be resisted.
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.
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.
Some land in Tyne and Wear 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.
Brownfield land wanted in towns across Tyne and Wear
Four ways to sell to us
Outright purchase
Common for brownfield, with contamination and demolition allowed for in the price.
Outright purchaseSubject-to-planning contract
Useful where the change from commercial to residential still needs consent.
Subject-to-planning contractThe next steps
Send the basics
A postcode or plan and a few lines about the land are enough to start.
We do the homework
We check planning history, policy, flood maps and access at no cost to you.
We explain the options
You get a written proposal covering price, structure and timing.
Agree and proceed
Once you are happy, solicitors are instructed and the deal moves forward.
Brownfield land in Tyne and Wear: common questions
Will contamination stop a sale?
Not usually. It affects cost and the work needed, which we allow for. Any reports you already have help us give a firmer view sooner.
My site is still let to a tenant. Is that a problem?
It can be managed. Tell us about the lease terms and any break dates and we will factor them into the timing.
Do you buy brownfield land in Tyne and Wear?
Yes. We buy brownfield land in Tyne and Wear and throughout Tyne and Wear, as well as elsewhere in England and Wales. Tell us where the land is and we will give you a free appraisal.
Can an agent introduce land in Tyne and Wear to you?
Yes. Estate agents, land agents and planning consultants can introduce sites with the owner's consent. Any fee is agreed in writing before details are shared, confirmed by the owner in writing and paid only on completion.