How We Do It

How We Do It

Preliminary Assessment Of The Site

Following an approach by a landowner with land that may have potential for development, Huntstowe Land will carry out a preliminary assessment of the site to ascertain the chances of obtaining planning consent, the quantum and nature of development that is likely to be achieved and whether there are any ‘show-stoppers’, which might preclude the grant of planning consent.  The assessment will also include consideration of where the relevant local authority is in its Development Plan process, whether it is able to demonstrate a 5 year supply of available housing land and the existence of any Neighbourhood Plans.

Preliminary Assessment Of The Site

Following an approach by a landowner with land that may have potential for development, Huntstowe Land will carry out a preliminary assessment of the site to ascertain the chances of obtaining planning consent, the quantum and nature of development that is likely to be achieved and whether there are any ‘show-stoppers’, which might preclude the grant of planning consent.  The assessment will also include consideration of where the relevant local authority is in its Development Plan process, whether it is able to demonstrate a 5 year supply of available housing land and the existence of any Neighbourhood Plans.

Negotiation And Signing Of The Promotion Agreement

If Huntstowe Land believes that there is a reasonable chance of obtaining planning consent for a commercially viable development, it will negotiate and enter into a promotion agreement with the landowner.  Under that agreement, Huntstowe Land will pay the landowner’s costs of entering into the agreement and will take the risk of the full costs of obtaining planning consent.

Assembly Of The Professional Team And Promotion Of The Land Through The Planning Process

Whilst the documentation is being drawn up for the promotion agreement, Huntstowe Land will assemble the professional team, with the best and most appropriate expertise to deliver a successful planning application. We do not use in-house consultants because, in many instances, there is an advantage to be gained from using consultants that are familiar with the area in which the site lies. They also know the planning officers that will be charged with reporting to the planning committee and either recommending consent, or refusal, for the promoted scheme.

We take a collaborative approach wherever possible and will deal with all aspects of the planning application including environmental impact, transport, ecology, landscape and visual impact, archaeology, flood risk and masterplanning, and any other matters relevant to the site in question. We will also work with the local community to assess infrastructure needs such as schooling, health services, transport improvements and how the development of the site might contribute to the aspirations of the local community, both at parish and district level.

Typically, planning applications will be submitted within 6 months of signing the promotion agreement but this will be governed by the optimum timetable for the promotion of the site and how this fits with the current status of the Local Plan and any Neighbourhood Plan.

Assembly Of The Professional Team And Promotion Of The Land Through The Planning Process

Whilst the documentation is being drawn up for the promotion agreement, Huntstowe Land will assemble the professional team, with the best and most appropriate expertise to deliver a successful planning application. We do not use in-house consultants because, in many instances, there is an advantage to be gained from using consultants that are familiar with the area in which the site lies. They also know the planning officers that will be charged with reporting to the planning committee and either recommending consent, or refusal, for the promoted scheme.

We take a collaborative approach wherever possible and will deal with all aspects of the planning application including environmental impact, transport, ecology, landscape and visual impact, archaeology, flood risk and masterplanning, and any other matters relevant to the site in question. We will also work with the local community to assess infrastructure needs such as schooling, health services, transport improvements and how the development of the site might contribute to the aspirations of the local community, both at parish and district level.

Typically, planning applications will be submitted within 6 months of signing the promotion agreement but this will be governed by the optimum timetable for the promotion of the site and how this fits with the current status of the Local Plan and any Neighbourhood Plan.

Appeal Should Consent Not Be Forthcoming From The Initial Application

If, in spite of all negotiations, planning consent is not granted, and it appears that there is a reasonable chance of overturning that decision at appeal, Huntstowe Land will fund and manage the appeal process.  However, the intention is always to achieve planning consent by negotiation and agreement if that is possible.

Consent For Development And Sale Of The Land To A Developer

Once planning consent is achieved, Huntstowe Land will work with the landowner to manage the sale process and maximise the sale price achieved. It is very important that the land is marketed properly as offer prices from developers can vary significantly, depending upon a number of factors including the developer’s opinion of the site, what purchase funds they have available, what other developments they have in progress. It is at this stage that the real benefits to the landowner of having a promotion agreement rather than an option agreement become clear. Under an option agreement, the developer negotiates the purchase price based on retrospective data of other sale values achieved, and it is in the developer’s interest to minimise the price paid. Under a promotion agreement, the land is fully marketed and it is in both the promoter’s and the landowner’s best interest that the price achieved is maximised. On completion of the sale, Huntstowe Land is reimbursed for the planning and other relevant expenditure, and takes a small share of the net proceeds as its return on money and time invested.

Consent For Development And Sale Of The Land To A Developer

Once planning consent is achieved, Huntstowe Land will work with the landowner to manage the sale process and maximise the sale price achieved. It is very important that the land is marketed properly as offer prices from developers can vary significantly, depending upon a number of factors including the developer’s opinion of the site, what purchase funds they have available, what other developments they have in progress. It is at this stage that the real benefits to the landowner of having a promotion agreement rather than an option agreement become clear. Under an option agreement, the developer negotiates the purchase price based on retrospective data of other sale values achieved, and it is in the developer’s interest to minimise the price paid. Under a promotion agreement, the land is fully marketed and it is in both the promoter’s and the landowner’s best interest that the price achieved is maximised. On completion of the sale, Huntstowe Land is reimbursed for the planning and other relevant expenditure, and takes a small share of the net proceeds as its return on money and time invested.