Commercial and industrial sites wanted in Hertford
Development Land Wanted buys commercial and industrial sites in Hertford and right across England and Wales. Owners and agents are both welcome.
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
The commercial and industrial sites that interests us around Hertford
Older business land around Hertford, especially units now surrounded by housing, is the kind of commercial site we would like to discuss. As the county town of Hertfordshire, Hertford anchors the area we cover here, along with Ware, Hoddesdon and Welwyn Garden City.
- Commercial land that is vacant or underused
- Sites with tenants on short leases or approaching breaks
- Garage, workshop and showroom sites
- Land where employment use has been marketed without success
Hertfordshire is a county of medium-sized towns, including Watford, Hemel Hempstead, Stevenage, St Albans, Welwyn Garden City, Hatfield and Hitchin, with many villages between them. Most of the county lies within the Metropolitan Green Belt and the Chilterns National Landscape covers the west, so grey belt, previously developed land and infill sites are especially important. Larger growth is usually planned as urban extensions and new communities through local plans.
Before we make an offer in Hertford
Leases
Tenancies and their protection affect when the site can be redeveloped.
Contamination
Past industrial uses usually need investigation.
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.
We are based in Great Barr, Birmingham, around 93 miles from Hertford, 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 contractFrom first call to completion
Get in touch
Tell us where the land is and what you know about it.
Site review
We look at the land, its planning position and anything that could affect it.
Proposal
We put our proposal in writing, with no obligation to accept.
Exchange and completion
If you go ahead, contracts are exchanged and the sale completes on the agreed terms.
Commercial and industrial sites in Hertford: 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.
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 Hertford too far from our Birmingham base?
No. We are based in Great Barr, Birmingham, about 93 miles from Hertford, and we look at land right across England and Wales.
How quickly can you look at a site in Hertford?
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.
