Commercial and industrial sites wanted in Cheshire
We want to hear from owners of commercial and industrial sites in Cheshire. There is nothing to pay us, and you are under no obligation.
If you own industrial units, a business yard or commercial land that is surrounded by housing or underused, it may be worth more as a residential site. We look at employment land policy, tenancies and ground conditions before making an offer.
- Size
- Any
- Planning
- With or without
- Areas
- England & Wales
- Ways we buy
- Outright or conditional
Commercial and industrial sites we are looking for in Cheshire
Cheshire includes Chester, Warrington, the Mersey towns of Widnes, Runcorn and Ellesmere Port, the mid-Cheshire salt towns and affluent towns such as Wilmslow and Macclesfield. A large part of the north and east of the county is Green Belt, so grey belt, previously developed land and infill are important there. In the south, around Crewe and Nantwich, more edge-of-town greenfield land and farmland comes forward.
- Commercial land that is vacant or underused
- Builders' yards, depots and storage land
- Garage, workshop and showroom sites
- Land where employment use has been marketed without success
Cheshire's eastern edge rises into the Peak District National Park, and the Dee and Mersey estuaries bring flood and habitat considerations. Former industrial and chemical land around Northwich, Winsford and Runcorn, and village sites near stations on the Crewe and Manchester lines, are typical development opportunities.
Before we make an offer in Cheshire
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, 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.
Commercial and industrial sites wanted in towns across Cheshire
Ways to sell commercial and industrial sites in Cheshire
Outright purchase
Common, with leases and remediation reflected in timing and price.
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 agreementJoint venture
You contribute the land, we fund and manage planning and delivery, and the proceeds are shared as agreed.
Joint ventureThe 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.
Commercial and industrial sites in Cheshire: common questions
My units are still let. Can you buy?
Yes, in many cases. We look at the leases and break dates and can plan a purchase around them.
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.
Which planning rules apply to land in Cheshire?
As Cheshire is in England, national policy comes from the National Planning Policy Framework, revised in August 2026. Local policies in the council's development plan also apply.
Do I need to pay anything to have land in Cheshire assessed?
No. Our appraisal is free and there is no obligation to sell to us.