Sell Farmland and Paddocks in East Grinstead
A paddock in East Grinstead used for grazing or horses can be worth far more as housing land, but only if planning is realistic. Land to Homes looks at the settlement boundary, access from the road, flood risk and the development plan, then tells you which route gives you the clearest outcome for that field.
East Grinstead · RH19Free site appraisal
Tell us about your land and we will call you back. No cost, no obligation.
Prefer to talk? Call 0800 088 6248.
- Free site appraisalNo cost, no obligation
- Legal fees coveredReasonable fees, on options and promotion
- Nothing to pay upfrontOn promotion: we fund planning
- Direct purchaseSuitable sites, with or without planning
- UK-wideEngland, Wales, Scotland and NI
Selling land around East Grinstead
East Grinstead sits about 8 miles east of Crawley in West Sussex, in the RH19 postcode district. Close by, our coverage also takes in Horley, Crawley and Crowborough. East Grinstead is part of England’s South East region.
Sites worth a conversation around East Grinstead: land behind street frontages, large and long rear gardens and former garage blocks and yards. In England, where East Grinstead sits, planning decisions are made by the local planning authority, usually the district, borough, city or unitary council (or a national park authority).
If you own land near East Grinstead, the first step is a free, no-obligation appraisal.
How we work in East Grinstead
Farm schemes considered
If the land is in an agri-environment or farm support agreement, taking it out may have consequences, including possible repayments. Check the scheme rules before you sign anything with anyone.
Access kept to retained fields
Deals can reserve access rights, service connections and drainage routes for the rest of your holding, so a new scheme does not cut off fields or buildings you keep.
Edge-of-settlement focus
Fields that adjoin existing homes, roads and services have the strongest planning prospects. Isolated fields deep in open countryside rarely suit housing, and if that applies to yours, we will say so.
Overage on paddock sales
If you sell a paddock at its current value, an overage clause can secure a further payment if planning is later granted. We explain triggers, duration and how the obligation is secured.
Planning in East Grinstead: the English rules
In England, most planning applications for new homes in East Grinstead are decided by the local planning authority, usually the council, using its Local Plan and the National Planning Policy Framework. Many landowners sell without planning, either outright or through an option or promotion agreement that funds the application first. Land to Homes offers a free site appraisal, pays your reasonable legal fees on option and promotion agreements, and can buy suitable sites directly, subject to survey, title and contract.
In England, the NPPF asks councils to take account of the value of higher-quality farmland, and Local Plans set settlement boundaries. Agricultural tenancies may fall under the Agricultural Holdings Act 1986 or be farm business tenancies, each with its own rules. Land in Environmental Land Management or Countryside Stewardship agreements needs checking before it is taken out.
| Who decides applications | The local planning authority, usually the district, borough, city or unitary council (or a national park authority) |
|---|---|
| In-principle consent | Outline planning permission, with reserved matters approved later |
| How a sale becomes binding | A land sale becomes legally binding on exchange of contracts and finishes on completion, after which the buyer registers the title with HM Land Registry. |
| Developer contributions | Section 106 planning obligations, plus the Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) where the council charges it |
Your questions answered for East Grinstead
Is agricultural land worth more with planning permission?
Usually much more, because residential land values are generally far higher than farming values. Even without permission, land with realistic prospects can attract hope value. The gap depends on location, how many homes could be built and the costs a builder faces. Our free appraisal explains the factors for your field.
Will selling farmland affect my inheritance tax reliefs?
It may. Reliefs for agricultural and business property depend on how the land is used and held, and selling land or holding cash instead can change the position. These rules have changed recently, so speak to an accountant or tax adviser before agreeing terms.
How do I keep access to the rest of my farm?
Through rights reserved in the agreement and the eventual transfer. These can include a right of way through the new estate road, service connections and drainage routes for retained land. Plan them early, because once a layout is approved it is much harder to add access later.
How long does it take to get planning on farmland?
There is no set timescale. A field allocated in a development plan can move to an application relatively directly, while unallocated land may need to wait for the next plan review. That is why options and promotion agreements on farmland usually run over a defined term with a longstop date.
Do you buy land in East Grinstead?
Yes. Land to Homes looks at land in East Grinstead and elsewhere in West Sussex, including Bognor Regis, Crawley and Worthing. Every enquiry starts with a free site appraisal, and on option and promotion agreements we pay your reasonable legal fees.
Read more: Sell Farmland and Paddocks · Guide: Green Belt and grey belt land explained