Strategic land wanted in East Grinstead
Development Land Wanted buys strategic land in East Grinstead and right across England and Wales. Owners and agents are both welcome.
Strategic land is a larger site, usually for 50 or more homes, that is brought forward over several years through the local plan or a major application. We look at strategic land across England and Wales, usually under an option agreement or joint venture.
- Size
- 50+ homes
- Planning
- Usually without
- Areas
- England & Wales
- Ways we buy
- Option or JV
The strategic land that interests us around East Grinstead
Around East Grinstead, strategic sites tend to be the big fields between the built edge and the main roads, where a whole new neighbourhood could be planned. East Grinstead is in West Sussex, about 39 miles north-east of Chichester. Nearby places include Horley, Crawley and Crowborough.
- Land for 50 or more homes next to a town or larger village
- Sites that could form part of a local plan allocation
- Land near railway stations or good bus routes
- Sites already being considered by the council
Water neutrality advice that held up many schemes around Crawley, Horsham and Chichester was withdrawn from 1 November 2025, though water efficiency remains important.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.
What usually makes or breaks it
Local plan timing
Strategic sites usually move with the plan cycle, so we look at where the council is in its review.
Infrastructure
Schools, roads, drainage and power capacity shape what a large site must provide.
Land assembly
Larger schemes often need several owners to agree a fair way to share value.
Since 6 August 2026, non-major development on sites of 0.2 hectares or less in England has generally been exempt from mandatory biodiversity net gain, unless priority habitat is affected. That makes many small sites simpler to bring forward.
Parts of West Sussex 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 128 miles from East Grinstead, and we travel to see sites across England and Wales.
Ways to sell strategic land in East Grinstead
Outright purchase
Rare before planning; more usual once an allocation or outline consent exists.
Outright purchaseSubject-to-planning contract
Possible for the first phase of a larger holding.
Subject-to-planning contractWhat happens after you get in touch
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.
Strategic land in East Grinstead: common questions
How long does strategic land take?
Often several years, because it may need a local plan allocation and then an outline permission. We are honest about timing for each site.
What if my neighbours own part of the best site?
We can help bring owners together under an equalisation arrangement so value is shared fairly, whoever ends up with the roads or open space.
Is East Grinstead too far from our Birmingham base?
No. We are based in Great Barr, Birmingham, about 128 miles from East Grinstead, and we look at land right across England and Wales.
Can an agent introduce land in East Grinstead 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.