Farmland and paddocks wanted in West Sussex
We are actively looking for farmland and paddocks in West Sussex and the surrounding area, with or without planning permission.
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 West Sussex
West Sussex includes Crawley, Horsham, Haywards Heath, Burgess Hill, East Grinstead and Chichester and the coastal towns of Worthing, Bognor Regis, Littlehampton, Shoreham-by-Sea and Lancing. It has only a very small area of Green Belt on the Surrey border, but the South Downs National Park and the High Weald and Chichester Harbour National Landscapes cover large parts. Typical sites include edge-of-town fields, farm buildings, infill plots and urban brownfield land.
- Fields and paddocks adjoining a town, village or suburb
- Land with road frontage or a farm track to a road
- Land put forward to a local plan or call for sites
- Land let on a farm business tenancy or grazing licence
Water neutrality advice that held up many schemes around Crawley, Horsham and Chichester was withdrawn from 1 November 2025, though water efficiency remains important. Chichester Harbour and the coastal plain bring flood risk and mitigation considerations, while the Brighton Main Line and A23 corridor focus growth around Crawley and Burgess Hill.
Before we make an offer in West Sussex
Relationship to the settlement
Land that reads as an extension of a place is usually more promising than isolated fields.
Farm schemes
Environmental and payment schemes may have obligations to unwind or agree.
Landscape
Protected landscapes and sensitive views limit what may be acceptable.
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.
Where an English council cannot show a five-year supply of housing land, or its Housing Delivery Test result falls below 75%, the August 2026 NPPF can give policy support to suitable housing outside settlement boundaries.
Some land in West Sussex is designated Green Belt. If your land is within it, it may still qualify as grey belt or previously developed land under national policy, subject to the Golden Rules.
Parts of West Sussex fall within South Downs National Park, High Weald National Landscape and Chichester Harbour National Landscape. Protected landscapes carry strong policy protection, so land in or next to them needs particularly careful assessment.
Farmland and paddocks wanted in towns across West Sussex
Choosing how to sell
Outright purchase
We agree a price and buy the land, with no planning condition attached.
Outright purchaseSubject-to-planning contract
Works well for smaller paddocks and edge-of-village fields.
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 ventureWhat happens after you get in touch
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.
Farmland and paddocks in West Sussex: common questions
Can I keep farming while you pursue planning?
Yes. Under an option or a conditional contract the land normally stays in your hands, and in use, until completion.
How much land do you need?
Anything from a single paddock to larger holdings. Smaller parcels next to villages can be very suitable.
Can an agent introduce land in West Sussex 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.
How quickly can you look at a site in West Sussex?
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.