Commercial and industrial sites wanted in Dunstable
We are actively looking for commercial and industrial sites in Dunstable and the surrounding area, with or without planning permission.
Older commercial and industrial land within towns is often better suited to homes than to modern business. We are interested in units, yards and estates where redevelopment for housing is realistic.
- Size
- Any
- Planning
- With or without
- Areas
- England & Wales
- Ways we buy
- Outright or conditional
What commercial and industrial sites we want near Dunstable
In Dunstable, industrial land that has drifted out of use can often be reimagined as homes, subject to the council's view on employment land. In Bedfordshire, Dunstable sits about 17 miles south of Bedford; Luton and Leighton Buzzard are its nearest neighbours on our list.
- Industrial units and yards within residential areas
- Commercial land that is vacant or underused
- Builders' yards, depots and storage land
- Garage, workshop and showroom sites
Bedfordshire mixes the larger urban areas of Luton and Bedford with market towns such as Leighton Buzzard, Biggleswade and Ampthill and a wide spread of villages. Land coming forward for housing is often edge-of-town greenfield, village infill and former employment or yard land. The south of the county lies in the Metropolitan Green Belt and touches the Chilterns National Landscape around Dunstable, so whether a site sits inside those designations shapes what is realistic.
What usually makes or breaks it
Contamination
Past industrial uses usually need investigation.
Neighbouring businesses
Homes next to noisy uses may need mitigation or may not be acceptable.
Permitted development (England)
Some changes from commercial to residential use can be made through prior approval rather than a full application.
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.
Parts of Bedfordshire are Green Belt, though not every town has any nearby. We check early whether a site is inside it and, if so, whether a grey belt or previously developed land case could apply.
We are based in Great Barr, Birmingham, around 74 miles from Dunstable, and we travel to see sites across England and Wales.
Four ways to sell to us
Outright purchase
We agree a price and buy the land, with no planning condition attached.
Outright purchaseSubject-to-planning contract
Used where a change of use still needs consent.
Subject-to-planning contractOption agreement
You grant us the right to buy within a set period, usually for an option premium, while we pursue planning.
Option agreementFrom first call to completion
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.
Commercial and industrial sites in Dunstable: common questions
Do I need to market the site first?
Not to sell to us. Marketing evidence can, however, support a planning case for change of use.
Is permitted development an option?
In England, some commercial-to-residential changes can use prior approval. Whether it applies depends on the use, the building and local restrictions.
Is Dunstable too far from our Birmingham base?
No. We are based in Great Barr, Birmingham, about 74 miles from Dunstable, and we look at land right across England and Wales.
Can an agent introduce land in Dunstable 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.