Buying a Site

In the process of buying a site and have just got contracts to sign. This site is subject to planning permission so at the moment we just have to pay 10% of the purchase price which will be refunded if we don't get the planning permission. The balance will be paying when we get full planning permission. Just wondering is there anything that definitely should be in this contract. The only thing I can think of is to make sure that it is subject to our planning permission i.e. if we apply for a 2,000 sq ft house and only get permission for a much smaller one that we're not interested in building, that that doesn't constitute planning and we're stuck with the site. This is being done through a solicitor but still don't want to miss anything. Thanks.

What is the time limit for you to get permission? If you take a week longer than this to get permission, will the vendor be able to put up his price or sell to a third party, who can benefit from your work done in getting planning?

What if some third party appeals your planning decision? Will the Vendor give you extra time? What if you want to appeal a condition of the planning yourself?

What if the planners want sight lines to be improved on the land adjoining the site? Does this adjoining land belong to the vendor and will he\she give permission for this?

The purchase of a site on a "subject to planning" basis is one of those areas where (if things are not going well) it is very important to have a good architect\engineer and a good solicitor.