The council’s earlier comments
We would read the reasons given for an assessment, not just its overall label. Some points may be based on old information; others may need new evidence or a different idea. We can help tell the difference.
A guide for landowners
Chelmsford Call for Sites: what it means for your land
The council keeps a record of land suggested for homes, business space and other future uses. It assesses that land to help prepare its longer-term plans. You can suggest new land or update a site already recorded. We can help you understand what the council has said and what information would make your position clearer.
Council: Chelmsford City Council.
- Putting forward new land
- Use the new-site route where the land has not previously been included in the council’s Call for Sites or assessment.[1]
- Changing an existing site
- Use the update route for changes such as a different boundary, new ownership or more information.[1]
- Look for an earlier assessment
- The council publishes assessment reports and a map. A site reference can help you find the information about your land.[1]
Putting land forward is not a planning application and does not give permission to build. The council must still assess the land and make its own decisions.
Where to start
Find out what the council already knows about your land
Before starting a new form, check whether the council already has a record of the land. You may find a reference number, a boundary map and comments about its prospects. We can help you understand these and decide whether an update is needed.
The useful question is not only whether the land appears on a map. Is the boundary correct? Are the owner and entrance details still right? Does the council know when the land could be available? A clear update can make an old record more useful without pretending that past concerns have gone away.
Not sure where to start?
Could your land in Chelmsford have development potential?
Use our free Land Development Assessment Tool or ask us to look at your land. We can explain what might be possible and what needs a closer look. You do not have to use our services afterwards.
A closer look at your land
What would we look at on your land in Chelmsford?
These are the things we would look at when reviewing your land. They are not a council decision or a promise that you can build. We explain what is known and what may need further investigation.
A clear and accurate boundary
We would check which part you are offering and whether the map includes the entrance. Adding or removing land should be explained. The council needs to know whether the new boundary describes the same opportunity or a different one.
Access and the surrounding area
We would look at the road connection, nearby buildings and everyday services. A shared drive or narrow entrance may limit what could be built. We can identify questions to resolve before you commission a detailed scheme.
Whether the land could actually be available
We would ask about tenants, buildings, current business use and any agreements. A suitable-looking plot may still need time or other people’s agreement before development can begin. The council should be given a realistic explanation of that timing.
Putting your land forward
What do you need to send to the council?
Use the links on the council’s Call for Sites page to choose either “submit a new site” or “update or amend a site”. For an update, include the existing reference and explain exactly what has changed. The council page also links to the assessment reports and map.[1]
Show where your land is
Use a clear map showing the edges of your land, any buildings and the entrance from the road. Give the total land size. Show any extra land needed for access, drainage or water and electricity connections, and say who owns it. A postcode alone does not show the exact land you are putting forward.
Explain what you have in mind
Say what you think the land could be used for, such as homes or business premises. Explain whether you are putting forward all of it or only part. Leave room for roads, drainage, trees and other features when suggesting how much could be built. Do not assume every part can be built on.
Say who owns and uses the land
Give details of the owner and anyone currently using the land. Explain when it could become available. Mention any tenant, business or agreement that could affect this. If you act for the owner, make that clear. Do not say a neighbour’s land is available unless this has been confirmed.
Gather the information you already have
Find any previous council letters, plans or reports about access, flooding, drainage, wildlife, historic buildings or ground conditions. Say what is known and what still needs checking. You do not need to order every possible report before asking us for help. We can explain which information is most useful.
Use the council’s current form
Follow the council’s instructions and check which plans and documents it asks for. Make sure the form and maps all describe the same land and idea. Gather anything missing and ask which assessment update can consider the land. An old form or a saved draft may not be enough.
Keep proof that you sent it
Save the completed form, maps and other documents, along with the council’s confirmation or reference number. Check that you have actually sent the form rather than just saved it. Keep copies of any later changes. Contacting us is separate from sending your details to the council.
This checklist helps you prepare. You may not need everything at the start. The council’s form explains what you must send.
Help at each stage
How Value My Land can help you
We can help Chelmsford landowners read an existing assessment, correct out-of-date information or prepare a fresh submission. Our first review can focus on the specific issue that is stopping you from deciding what to do.
A free first look at your land
We look at maps and the information available about your land. We consider nearby development, road access, planning rules and issues such as flooding. We then explain whether it is worth looking into further. You do not need planning permission or a finished set of plans to contact us.
A clear plan for the next steps
We can help you decide what the land might be used for and which part has the best chance of being developed. We explain the options, likely difficulties and next steps. Some land may need to be considered through the council’s longer-term plans.
Help putting your land forward
We can help prepare the council’s form, a map of your land and an explanation of why it should be considered. Before we start, we agree the work, who will do it and the timescale. Sending us an enquiry does not mean we have agreed to submit your land.
Arranging any specialist reports
Some land needs a closer look at road access, flooding, drainage, wildlife or its effect on the surrounding area. We can arrange the right specialist help where needed. We explain which checks matter most before you commit to a large set of reports.
Help with the cost of planning
For suitable land, we may agree to pay for and manage the planning work at our own cost and risk. You keep ownership of the land. We explain our fee, any costs to be repaid and the terms before you decide. This is called a land promotion agreement.
Support after your land is submitted
If we agree to continue working together, we can review the council’s comments and help you respond. We can also help update your plans or provide more information. Where the planning outcome makes a sale possible, we can help consider marketing the land to developers.
The first review is free. Further work and any fees or agreement must be discussed separately. We cannot promise that the council will choose your land, grant planning permission or accept a late form. We also cannot guarantee a sale price.
Let us help with the paperwork
Need help putting your land forward in Chelmsford?
Tell us where your land is and roughly how large it is. We can look at the opportunity and explain how we could help you put it forward. Our form contacts Value My Land; it does not send your land details to the council.
Help with planning costs
Could we pay for the planning work on your land?
Putting your land forward can be the first step towards getting planning permission. For suitable land, we can agree to pay for and manage the planning work at our own cost and risk. This can include preparing plans, arranging reports and dealing with the council. You keep ownership of the land.
If the planning work succeeds, the land can be offered for sale to developers. Our agreed fee and the costs set out in the agreement are paid from the sale money. Before work starts, we agree how costs, decisions and any future sale will be handled.
We do not fund every site. We first look at the land and discuss what may be possible. Any funding arrangement must be agreed separately. You should ask your own solicitor to advise you before signing a land promotion agreement.
After you send your details
What happens after you put your land forward?
Keep the site reference and a copy of each change you send. When a new assessment is published, compare its boundary and comments with your submission. We can help you read the assessment and discuss whether a factual correction, more information or a different proposal is worthwhile.
Understand the council’s response
When the council gives its view, read the reasons as well as the result. It may have the wrong boundary or old information, or it may raise a problem that needs more work. We can help you understand its comments and decide how to respond.
Decide what to do next
The next step might be to provide more information, suggest a smaller building area or consider a different use. It may also be sensible to take a different approach. We can discuss the options and agree any further work with you. We cannot promise that the council will choose your land.
Your questions answered
Questions about the Chelmsford Call for Sites
Is there a fixed deadline in Chelmsford?
The council says its land-assessment submission process is open throughout the year. Always follow the current instructions on its page.[1]
Should I use a new-site form for land already recorded?
The council provides a separate route to update or amend an existing site. Use that route where you are changing a recorded site, and include its reference.[1]
Does appearing on the council’s map mean the land can be built on?
No. The assessment and map help the council prepare its plans. They do not automatically select the land for development or give planning permission.[1]
Does your form send my land details to the council?
No. Our form only sends your details to Value My Land. You still need a separate council submission. We must agree any work before acting for you. Contacting us does not extend the council’s deadline or mean your land has been put forward.
What do you need for a free review?
Start with the postcode or location and the approximate size of the land. Tell us whether you own it or are acting for the owner. We will explain what else would help. There is no need to send private legal or financial documents with your first enquiry.
Can you promise that the council will choose my land?
No. We can explain the strengths of your land, any problems and the work that may help. The council makes its own decision. A review does not guarantee that your land will be chosen or that you will get planning permission.
Can you put my land forward for me?
We can discuss helping with the council submission, depending on the land and the time available. We first need to agree the work, responsibilities and terms. Sending an enquiry or using our tool does not mean we have agreed to submit your land.
Will I have to pay for the planning work?
The first review is free and you do not have to take things further. For suitable land, we may agree to pay for and manage the planning work at our own cost and risk. Our fee and agreed costs are then paid from the land sale money, under the terms of a separate agreement.
Can I try the free tool before contacting you?
Yes. Our Land Development Assessment Tool gives you a first look at what might be possible. You can then contact us to discuss the result. The tool does not give planning permission or send your land details to the council. Further checks may be needed.
Free land review. No obligation.
Let’s discuss your land in Chelmsford
Tell us where your land is and roughly how large it is. We will look at the details and explain what you could do next. We can discuss whether you need a first review, help with the council’s form or longer-term planning support.
You do not need to pay for reports before contacting us. We can discuss any existing plans or council letters after your first enquiry.
0800 061 4006info@valuemyland.comValue My Land
13 Ensign Business Centre, Westwood Way
Coventry, CV4 8JA
13 Ensign Business Centre, Westwood Way
Coventry, CV4 8JA
This form contacts Value My Land, not the council. We must agree any further work with you. Sending this form does not submit your land to the council or reserve a place in an assessment.
Useful council links
Council information and more help
This is a Value My Land guide, not a council website. The practical advice and descriptions of our services are our own. Use the council links for its requirements. Dates, forms and submission arrangements can change.