Fenn Wright secure strategic promotion partner for farm client in Uttlesford
Lands Improvement Holdings, one of the UK’s leading strategic land development companies, have entered into a land promotion agreement on 212 acres near Great Dunmow in the Uttlesford District of Essex.
Located between the B1256 Braintree Road and the A120 dual carriageway, the site currently comprises arable land and will be promoted alongside the construction of a solar farm, which was granted planning permission in 2015.
Roger Hayward MRICS of Fenn Wright commented “Acting on behalf of the landowners, we were pleased to have assisted Baker & Metson in securing a promotion partner for the land which immediately adjoins a permitted 5MW solar park, capable of generating enough power for some 1400 typical households. There was significant competition from promoters and national developers for this opportunity, but after a short marketing period, the Lands Improvement Holdings team stood out as being best placed to deliver the Directors, community and environmental objectives.”
In response to high housing need in Uttlesford and the District Council’s latest ‘Call for Sites’, the landowners are working with Lands Improvement on plans for a sustainable housing development as an extension to Great Dunmow. The masterplan includes a new local centre and primary school, a network of new walking and cycling routes, and up to 1300 energy efficient homes set within 90 acres of green infrastructure, creating open spaces and recreation areas.
Lands Improvement’s research-based and community-led approach to placemaking, conceived in conjunction with the social enterprise and research institute, Create Streets, means open spaces and high-quality public realm form a large component of all their schemes.
James Stone, Managing Director of Lands Improvement added “There is an exciting opportunity here to not only deliver much needed new homes but also to establish a new community for Uttlesford. Alongside the landowners, we look forward to working with stakeholders, including Uttlesford District Council, the local community and businesses, to develop proposals that will offer local people of all ages an alternative place to live in this very desirable area. Lands Improvement is a long-term partner, and all our projects are focused on maximising housing and community benefits; creating sustainable, healthy and happy places for people to live long into the future.”