As the leading housebuilder in the UK we have a constant need to acquire and control new land - the raw material for our business.
We buy more residential land than anyone else in the UK. Such land could be green or brown. Every site is considered on its merits. With 29 divisions, we are looking for land in every region of the country.
Given our investment in showhomes to drive sales, our preference is usually for sites which can deliver at least 50 units. From there our developments range from urban infill sites, urban extensions to new settlements.
Often the more urban or suburban sites are suitable for our Barratt product - the best known housing brand in the market. Villages and market towns are often appropriate for David Wilson Homes our premium brand offering the highest quality of space and specification.
For sites already with planning permission our experience and network of 29 offices means we can bid with best knowledge of the local market and build costs - guaranteeing best returns for the landowner without affecting viability.
We are committed to increasing our stocks of strategic land, namely controlling more sites where we work with in partnership with the landowner to promote the site to a planning permission and construction, as quickly and smoothly as possible.
PROCESS
As expected from the UK's leading housebuilder we have a robust and disciplined approach to securing sites focussed on providing confidence and security for the landowner.
Sites are sourced by one of our 29 divisions then appraised rigorously at the divisional, regional and national level before terms are finalised.
This means that once a landowner has agreed a deal they have full confidence in terms of site delivery and timescales.
Flexibility is critical. Joint ventures and long term partnership arrangements which respond to different landowner requirements are a much increasing feature of our business.
CREDENTIALS
- Relationships
With 29 divisions, we have the best network of relationships with local authorities in the UK. As a result over 90% of our planning applications are consented locally without the need to appeal.
- Delivery
Because of our robust land acquisition procedures the landowner has confidence that once terms are agreed our focus is on delivering those terms. Where there is no planning permission we guarantee the quickest route through the process. We secure our own consent so there no need for new planning permissions and no need to fund a middleman prior to selling to us. We will secure consent and then start construction, minimising costs and delay.
- Flexibility
We focus on the landowner requirements. This could relate to the landowner's tax position, the type of deal or contract, equity share opportunities, rental units or a myriad of other considerations. Our aim is always to listen to the landowner and design a deal and a development which suits both parties.
- Longer term view
We recognise that planning and development is often not a quick fix. Whilst we will always promote and develop land as quickly as possible we are happy to work with landowners where the planning strategy may be longer term in nature, requiring persistence, stamina and case-building over many years.
CONTACT DETAILS
For all land enquiries please contact:
Philip Barnes, Group Land and Planning Director
Email: [email protected]
