Strategic land wanted in Gloucester
We are actively looking for strategic land in Gloucester and the surrounding area, with or without planning permission.
Strategic land is a larger site, usually for 50 or more homes, that is brought forward over several years through the local plan or a major application. We look at strategic land across England and Wales, usually under an option agreement or joint venture.
- Size
- 50+ homes
- Planning
- Usually without
- Areas
- England & Wales
- Ways we buy
- Option or JV
Strategic land we are looking for in Gloucester
Around Gloucester, strategic sites tend to be the big fields between the built edge and the main roads, where a whole new neighbourhood could be planned. As the county town of Gloucestershire, Gloucester anchors the area we cover here, along with Cheltenham, Stroud and Tewkesbury.
- Land near railway stations or good bus routes
- Holdings where neighbouring owners may collaborate
- Land with more than one possible access point
- Sites already being considered by the council
Flood risk from the Severn and its tributaries is a defining constraint around Gloucester and Tewkesbury, and sites near the tidal estuary need careful assessment. The M5 corridor between Gloucester and Cheltenham, and towns with railway stations such as Stroud and Yate, attract the most housing interest.
What decides whether a site in Gloucester works
Local plan timing
Strategic sites usually move with the plan cycle, so we look at where the council is in its review.
Land assembly
Larger schemes often need several owners to agree a fair way to share value.
Promotion costs
Technical studies and plan representations cost money; under an option we pay them up front, and any recovery from the price is capped in the heads of terms.
National policy in England now recognises "medium development" of 10 to 49 homes on sites up to 2.5 hectares, and asks councils to allocate at least 10% of their housing on sites of one hectare or less and a further 10% on sites of one to 2.5 hectares.
Some land in Gloucestershire is designated Green Belt. If your land is within it, it may still qualify as grey belt or previously developed land under national policy, subject to the Golden Rules.
We are based in Great Barr, Birmingham, around 49 miles from Gloucester, and we travel to see sites across England and Wales.
Four ways to sell to us
Outright purchase
We agree a price and buy the land, with no planning condition attached.
Outright purchaseSubject-to-planning contract
Possible for the first phase of a larger holding.
Subject-to-planning contractOption agreement
You grant us the right to buy within a set period, usually for an option premium, while we pursue planning.
Option agreementJoint venture
You contribute the land, we fund and manage planning and delivery, and the proceeds are shared as agreed.
Joint ventureHow a sale to us works
Tell us about the land
Use the form or call us with the location and a rough outline of the site.
Free appraisal
We review title, planning and constraints and tell you honestly what we think.
Written offer
If the site suits us, we set out an offer and the way we propose to buy.
Solicitors take over
Your solicitor and ours agree the contract; we keep you informed throughout.
Frequently asked in Gloucestershire
How long does strategic land take?
Often several years, because it may need a local plan allocation and then an outline permission. We are honest about timing for each site.
Do I need to do anything while the land is promoted?
Usually very little beyond signing representations and allowing surveys. You normally keep using the land.
Can an agent introduce land in Gloucester to you?
Yes. Estate agents, land agents and planning consultants can introduce sites with the owner's consent. Any fee is agreed in writing before details are shared, confirmed by the owner in writing and paid only on completion.
Do I need to pay anything to have land in Gloucester assessed?
No. Our appraisal is free and there is no obligation to sell to us.