How it works

You provide the land, we do all the technical work to secure planning - at our own cost and risk.

Then, you benefit from the planning uplift because we pay a premium for your land.

Every site has its own unique challenges but the process is broadly the same, we break this down into 6 steps which are explained below:

Step 1

Site Assessment

Once you have confirmed you would be interested in exploring development we will complete a detailed site assessment looking at all planning and technical constraints. This helps us assess the development potential of your land. We will then meet you again to discuss the findings of the site assessment and our offer.

We complete the site assessment at no cost, this is part of our due diligence.

It usually takes up to 2 weeks for a detailed assessment and review by our technical team.

Step 2

Offer

We will write to you with a formal offer which will outline all the commercial terms including the type of agreement, price, length of agreement and our obligations to you during the agreement.

We will be required to take steps to secure planning permission during the contract and will have the option to purchase the land once planning permission is achieved. This is called an Option Agreement.

Agreeing the terms for the offer is usually a quick process, depending on landowners readiness to progress.

Step 3

Legal Agreement

Once you have accepted the offer we will both appoint solicitors to draft the contract. We will pay a contribution towards your legal fees.

The agreement will formalise our relationship and our right promote the land for planning and pay you a premium for your land once planning permission is achieved.

The timescales are dependent on solicitors but take and average of 8-12 weeks.

Step 4

Detailed Design

We appoint an experienced professional team to undertake the required surveys to inform the design of the scheme. We work with you to arrange access for surveys.

The technical work culminates with a well designed masterplan for the development. Throughout this process our focus is on placemaking and optimising the design of the scheme so that it integrates with it’s surroundings and has the greatest chance of success at planning.

This process takes 3-6 months depending on the time of year and surveys required.

Step 5

Planning Application

We submit a planning application for the scheme and work with the planning authority until the scheme is determined.

We manage all public consultation and engagement with the planning authority, keeping you informed throughout.

In some cases we may also opt to promote the land through the Local Plan, but this will have been discussed at offer stage.

While there are statutory timescales for determining planning applications these are rarely met and the timescales are unpredictable, especially with larger sites.

Step 6

Completion

Once planning permission is granted we confirm we would like to complete the purchase of your land and we pay you the agreed price.

If we are not successful in securing planning permission in the option period then the agreement ends and you keep your land.