Redundant buildings wanted in Darwen
We are actively looking for redundant buildings in Darwen and the surrounding area, with or without planning permission.
A redundant building is one whose original use has ended. Many make good homes through conversion, while others are better redeveloped. We look at the building, its planning position and any community or heritage interest before making an offer.
- Size
- Any
- Planning
- With or without
- Areas
- England & Wales
- Ways we buy
- Outright or conditional
What redundant buildings we want near Darwen
We are interested in buildings around Darwen that have outlived their original use, whether they would be converted or replaced. In Lancashire, Darwen sits about 11 miles south-east of Preston; Blackburn and Haslingden are its nearest neighbours on our list.
- Vacant offices and commercial buildings
- Shops with upper floors or whole retail buildings
- Buildings within towns and villages
- Sites where demolition and rebuilding may be better than conversion
The Forest of Bowland and Arnside and Silverdale National Landscapes and a small part of the Yorkshire Dales National Park cover the rural north and east. Flood risk on the Fylde coast, the Ribble and the Lune shapes many sites, and the M6, M55 and M65 corridors link the main towns.
What decides whether a site in Darwen works
Community value
Pubs and community buildings may be listed as assets of community value or protected by policy.
Heritage
Listed buildings and conservation areas need careful design and extra consents.
Prior approval (England)
Some changes of use can be made through permitted development with prior approval.
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.
We are based in Great Barr, Birmingham, around 83 miles from Darwen, and we travel to see sites across England and Wales.
Choosing how to sell
Outright purchase
Common for empty buildings, with conversion costs reflected in the price.
Outright purchaseSubject-to-planning contract
Used where consent or prior approval is still needed.
Subject-to-planning contractHow a sale to us works
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.
Your questions answered
My building is listed. Is that a problem?
Not necessarily, but it means listed building consent as well as planning permission, and design must respect the building's significance.
Should I strip out the building before selling?
No. Leave it as it is and tell us about its condition; we will assess it as found.
Is Darwen too far from our Birmingham base?
No. We are based in Great Barr, Birmingham, about 83 miles from Darwen, and we look at land right across England and Wales.
Do I need to pay anything to have land in Darwen assessed?
No. Our appraisal is free and there is no obligation to sell to us.