Farmland and paddocks wanted in Oldham
Development Land Wanted buys farmland and paddocks in Oldham and right across England and Wales. Owners and agents are both welcome.
A paddock or field next to a village or town may have development potential, even if it has always been farmed. We assess how the land relates to the settlement, its access and the local plan, then explain which deal would suit.

- Size
- Paddocks to whole farms
- Planning
- Usually without
- Areas
- England & Wales
- Ways we buy
- Option, conditional or JV
The farmland and paddocks that interests us around Oldham
We are looking for farmland near Oldham with a realistic access, ideally land the owner has already put forward to the local plan. In Greater Manchester, Oldham sits about 6 miles north-east of Manchester; Chadderton and Royton are its nearest neighbours on our list.
- Fields and paddocks adjoining a town, village or suburb
- Land with road frontage or a farm track to a road
- Parcels from a few acres to whole holdings
- Land put forward to a local plan or call for sites
Most of the city-region is covered by a joint strategic plan, and Metrolink and rail corridors are a focus for higher-density homes. The eastern edge around Saddleworth includes part of the Peak District National Park, where landscape is a significant constraint on development.
Before we make an offer in Oldham
Farm schemes
Environmental and payment schemes may have obligations to unwind or agree.
Landscape
Protected landscapes and sensitive views limit what may be acceptable.
Best and most versatile land
High-grade agricultural land can be a factor in planning decisions.
The Planning and Infrastructure Act 2025 introduced Environmental Delivery Plans and a Nature Restoration Levy in England, which over time may offer an alternative to site-by-site mitigation for some environmental issues.
Parts of Greater Manchester 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 69 miles from Oldham, and we travel to see sites across England and Wales.
Four ways to sell to us
Subject-to-planning contract
Works well for smaller paddocks and edge-of-village fields.
Subject-to-planning contractOption agreement
The usual route for larger farmland: you keep farming and we promote the land.
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.
Frequently asked in Greater Manchester
How much land do you need?
Anything from a single paddock to larger holdings. Smaller parcels next to villages can be very suitable.
Will I lose my farm payments?
Development land may need to leave a scheme at some point. Check your agreements and take advice; we plan timing around them where we can.
Is Oldham too far from our Birmingham base?
No. We are based in Great Barr, Birmingham, about 69 miles from Oldham, and we look at land right across England and Wales.
How quickly can you look at a site in Oldham?
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.
