Sell Brownfield Land in Leicester

Selling land around Leicester

Leicester (LE1) anchors our coverage of Leicestershire, which takes in 7 other places. The nearest other places we cover are Oadby (3 miles), Wigston (4 miles) and Loughborough (9 miles). Within England, Leicester falls in the East Midlands region. Leicester is about 34 miles from our Great Barr head office in Birmingham.

Around Leicester we look at paddocks on the edge of Leicester, corner plots and side gardens and fields put forward or allocated in the local plan. Planning in Leicester follows England’s rules: the National Planning Policy Framework sets national policy and the council’s Local Plan sets local policy.

If you own land near Leicester, the first step is a free, no-obligation appraisal.

What we offer in Leicester

Loss of employment land

Councils may resist losing business land to housing. Policies vary, so we check whether marketing evidence or a viability case is likely to be needed before any application is made.

VAT on commercial sites

If you have opted to tax the property, VAT may be chargeable on the sale, which affects what a buyer pays. Your accountant should confirm the position before a price is agreed.

Contamination assessed in stages

Ground investigation is usually staged: a desk study of past uses, intrusive sampling if needed, then a remediation strategy and verification. Existing reports save time and cost, so share any you hold.

Neighbouring uses considered

New homes next to workshops, busy roads or late-night venues need protection from noise and smells. In England and Wales, the agent of change principle can put the cost of mitigation on the new development.

The English system, as it applies in Leicester

Land with no planning permission can still be sold. Around Leicester, the usual routes in England are a direct sale, an option agreement or a promotion agreement, where the planning work is funded for you and the land is sold once consent is granted. Outline planning permission settles the principle, with reserved matters approved later. Section 106 obligations, the Community Infrastructure Levy where charged and biodiversity net gain all affect what a site is worth, so independent advice matters.

In England, councils keep brownfield land registers, and sites on Part 2 of a register can be granted Permission in Principle. The NPPF gives substantial weight to using suitable brownfield land for homes. Contamination is normally handled through planning conditions, following the Environment Agency's land contamination risk management guidance, with Part 2A of the Environmental Protection Act 1990 as a backstop.

Key rules in Leicester
National planning policy	National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF), revised August 2026, with national planning practice guidance
Local planning document	Local Plan
In-principle consent	Outline planning permission, with reserved matters approved later
Land registration	HM Land Registry

Sell Brownfield Land in Leicester: questions

What counts as brownfield land?

Brownfield, or previously developed land, is land that is or was occupied by a permanent structure, including the land around it. Former yards, depots, garage blocks and commercial buildings usually qualify. Definitions vary by nation, and some exclude private gardens, agricultural buildings or sites where earlier remains have blended into the landscape.

Who pays for contamination clean-up when I sell?

It is negotiated. Usually the buyer allows for remediation in the price it offers, so the cost is reflected in the land value. Contract terms can also deal with environmental liabilities after the sale. Where contamination is serious, environmental law can in some cases leave liability with whoever caused it, so take legal advice.

Will VAT apply when I sell my brownfield site?

It may. If you have opted to tax the land or buildings, VAT can apply to the sale price. Whether the option can be disapplied depends on what the buyer intends to do with the property, and the rules are technical. Ask your accountant before agreeing a price, because it affects what the buyer pays.

Do I need a contamination report before selling?

Not necessarily, but it helps. A desk study of past uses is relatively inexpensive and gives buyers confidence. If you hold older reports, share them. Buyers will usually carry out their own investigations anyway, both as part of their due diligence and because planning conditions often require them.

Is Leicester an area you cover for land?

Yes, we cover land in Leicester and elsewhere in Leicestershire, including Melton Mowbray, Wigston and Coalville. Where a site suits us we can buy it directly, or set up an option or promotion agreement. On promotion there is nothing to pay upfront.