Developments

David Harrison, Partner - Click here for profile
Helen Loveday, Executive - Click here for profile

Land and Property development

We act for national and local developers who acquire land. Upon grant of planning permission, we carry out site assembly to sale of new build properties on the open market or in the case of affordable housing to Registered Social Landlords. We also act for companies and individuals who trade in land.

Site Assembly

We act for landowners or groups of landlords who offer their land or houses to developers or land traders usually on a "subject to planning" basis. In such cases we require that the developer or land trader pays all costs and expenses of the landowners - whether or not planning permission is obtained. We liaise closely with specialist valuers to ensure that the land is sold for its full market value. If you think that your property might be suitable for development or you require further specialist advice then contact us.

Options and Conditional Contracts

We prepare either Options or Conditional Contracts. Options give the developer the option of purchasing the land usually at a predetermined price within a specified time scale. Conditional Contracts require the developer to buy the land usually at a predetermined figure subject only to the developer obtaining a satisfactory planning permission within a specified timescale.

Planning Agreements

These are usually known as Section 106 Agreements. These agreements are negotiated with the local planning authority and once exchanged they bring about the planning permission. The agreements usually ensure that the developer either provides affordable housing as part of the development or that it makes payments or contributions to local authority services or infrastructure or to Special Protected Areas Contribution. We assist in the negotiation and preparation of these agreements on behalf of both landowners and developers.

Infrastructure Agreements

These are agreements between a developer and a local authority and regulate the provision of all services to a development. We advise on the preparation and completion of these.

Joint Venture Agreements

These are agreements usually between two or more developers who decide to redevelop a site together. Sometimes such agreements can be used between the land owner and a developer or between a funder and a developer. We advise on the structure preparation and completion of these complex agreements.