Commercial and industrial sites wanted in Runcorn
We are actively looking for commercial and industrial sites in Runcorn and the surrounding area, with or without planning permission.
Commercial and industrial sites can sometimes be redeveloped for housing, particularly when they sit among homes or are no longer needed for business. We assess whether a change to residential is realistic and buy suitable sites across England and Wales.
- Size
- Any
- Planning
- With or without
- Areas
- England & Wales
- Ways we buy
- Outright or conditional
Is your land in Runcorn the kind we want?
Older business land around Runcorn, especially units now surrounded by housing, is the kind of commercial site we would like to discuss. Sitting about 12 miles north-east of Chester, Runcorn is within Cheshire, with Widnes and Halewood close by.
- Commercial land that is vacant or underused
- Sites with tenants on short leases or approaching breaks
- Builders' yards, depots and storage land
- Garage, workshop and showroom sites
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.
What usually makes or breaks it
Employment land protection
Councils often protect business land; evidence of marketing or lack of demand can matter.
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.
Our base is in Great Barr, Birmingham, about 65 miles away, and we buy land throughout England and Wales.
Ways to sell commercial and industrial sites in Runcorn
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
Tell us about the land
Use the form or call us with the location and a rough outline of the site.
Free appraisal
We review title, planning and constraints and tell you honestly what we think.
Written offer
If the site suits us, we set out an offer and the way we propose to buy.
Solicitors take over
Your solicitor and ours agree the contract; we keep you informed throughout.
Commercial and industrial sites in Runcorn: common questions
Will the council object to losing business land?
Some councils protect employment land. Evidence that the site is no longer needed or suitable for business can help.
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.
How quickly can you look at a site in Runcorn?
For most sites we can give an initial view once we have the location and a plan. Detailed checks follow if the land looks suitable.
Do I need to pay anything to have land in Runcorn assessed?
No. Our appraisal is free and there is no obligation to sell to us.