Land off Meeting House Lane, Balsall Common
Balsall Common, Solihull
Under PromotionHolt Property was instructed by the landowners to advise on the future development potential of their land and a smaller adjoining site in Balsall Common.
Acting as the landowners’ agent, we assessed the opportunity, negotiated a promotion agreement with a specialist land promoter and have continued to support the long-term strategy for the land as planning policy has evolved. The site comprises four agricultural paddocks and a residential property at the north-west corner, fronting Meeting House Lane, which provides the logical point of access.
Background
Instructed by the landowners to advise on the future development potential of their land and the smaller adjoining site in Balsall Common.
Identified the land as a Green Belt site with longer term strategic potential, subject to Local Plan review and changes to planning policy.
Defined the site as a series of four agricultural paddocks and a residential property at the north-west corner, fronting Meeting House Lane, from which vehicular access is proposed.
Negotiated a promotion agreement with a specialist land promoter to bring the site forward for residential development on behalf of the landowners.
Monitored the Solihull Metropolitan Borough Council Local Plan review, evidence base and consultation stages, providing regular updates and clear strategic advice to the landowners.
Holt Property continues to advise the landowners on future options for the promotion and allocation of the site.
This remains a Green Belt strategic opportunity, with Holt Property monitoring the Local Plan and advising the landowners to ensure the site is well positioned for future development.
Results
A potential development area of approximately 2.14 hectares has been identified within the wider 3.04 hectare landholding, focusing on the most suitable parts of the site for residential development.
Initial capacity work indicates scope for a scheme of circa 60 dwellings, subject to planning policy, design and technical considerations.
Comprehensive technical and planning work has been undertaken to support the site’s promotion through the Local Plan process and to inform future planning applications.
The landowners receive regular progress updates and strategic advice from Holt Property, ensuring they are fully informed about planning policy, timescales and the realistic prospects for development.
A long term strategy is in place so that, as Green Belt and housing policies in Solihull evolve, the land can be brought forward quickly and effectively when the planning climate is favourable.
The landowners value the proactive, diligent and long term approach taken by Holt Property in promoting the development potential of their land.
We have an excellent reputation with our clients, understanding their needs and building strong relationships resulting in successful outcomes.
Landowner feedback
My association with David Holt and Lucy Quibell has been ongoing for a number of years. During that time their ability to get things done both in a very friendly and business-like manner has impressed me. My client business is ongoing with this very efficient friendly company.
Sam Fawkner Landowner
Bellway Homes have developed an effective and highly valued working relationship with Holt Property on a number of strategic sites. David Holt and Lucy Quibell are experts in the market place at bringing high quality land forward for development and they are a pleasure to work with. Whilst robustly protecting the interests of their landowner clients, they have made working in partnership with landowners seamless as a result of their appreciation of the complexities of strategic land promotion and the operational requirements of a major PLC housebuilder.
Fergus Thomas Strategic Land Director, Central Region at Bellway
Landowner feedback
We have been using the Holt organisation now for a number of years and have found them to be most professional and obliging in their dealings with the sale of our land. They have advised us competently and courteously whilst keeping us informed of any relevancies when necessary. We would confidently recommend their expertise.
Landowner Gazey On behalf of the Gazey Family
Richborough Estates have worked with Holt Property Limited for a number of years’ and we have always found them professional, proactive and knowledgeable to work with. Notably they assisted in identifying one of Richborough Estates most exciting current projects, the strategic land opportunity in Dickens Heath, which is a large site put forward as a preferred option for Green Belt release within the emerging Solihull Local Plan Review. Richborough Estates find Holt Property excellent on all strategic land matters and we enjoy working with their team, and we look forward to future projects with them.
James Bradshaw Managing Director at Richborough Estates
I find Holt Property a very professionally run business. I am really enjoying working with them on one of our key development projects in the Midlands. I always find them honest, straightforward to deal with, providing quick responses and they have a very professional approach. Their team demonstrate great determination in successfully carrying development proposals through to fruition. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend Holt Property to either landowners or fellow land promoters and developers. They are a pleasure to deal with.
Sarah Griffiths Associate Planning Director at L&Q Estates
It was a pleasure to work alongside Lucy Quibell and David Holt in securing our recent acquisition of Rookery Farm, Keresley. Holt Property were diligent throughout, from an early identification, monitoring of the application and eventually helping purchase the site despite a number of challenges along the way. Special thanks go to Lucy Quibell of Holt Property for representing the division and working tirelessly to make it happen. We look forward to working with Holt Property on many more opportunities in the future.
Lawrence Brown Land Manager at Bellway Homes
Rosconn Strategic Land worked closely with David Holt and Lucy Quibell on the promotion of the land at Cubbington, Warwickshire. The fact that Holt Property understood the land promotion and planning process was hugely beneficial to both Rosconn and the landowner. Removing a land parcel from the Green Belt is never an easy process, but our success was aided by input from both David and Lucy.
Daniel O’Donnell Managing Director at Rosconn Strategic Land
Landowner feedback
The pony paddock, which adjoined our family home, has been in our ownership for almost 80 years and we were delighted when Holt Property recommended that we should put the land forward in the Solihull Borough Council Strategic Housing Land Availability Assessment for future residential development. We are grateful that they introduced us to Greenlight Developments, who have submitted a host of comprehensive reports, in support of the allocation, and are very hopeful of a successful result. We are very grateful to Holt Property who have been extremely proactive in promoting the allocation.
Mrs J Edwards
Landowner feedback
I was delighted with the detailed planning advice which Holt Property gave me when I was considering the future of my property. They advised on the appointment of Rosconn, Strategic Land Promotors, who engaged with enthusiasm and, on receipt of planning permission, competitive bids were invited and a sale negotiated. A very successful result.
The Hon. D.G.A. Jack On behalf of the Jack Family
Landowner feedback
In preparation for our retirement from our Wholesale Horticultural Nursery Business we consulted with Holt Property on the options which might be available to us for the sale of the Freehold site and extensive range of glasshouses, polythene tunnels and equipment. They were imaginative in their advice, and a strategy was agreed, and implemented, to maximise the value. They negotiated the terms of sale in a very professional way and were proactive throughout. We were delighted with the result.
Mr and Mrs W Lamb Property Owners
Hallam Land Management Ltd has been delighted to work closely with Holt Property for a number of years. Both Lucy and David Holt's committed and purposeful approach has been instrumental in helping Hallam secure new development site opportunities. Their expertise and experience has greatly added value to what we do.
Peter Glazebrook Director South Midlands Region at Hallam Land Management Ltd.
Landowner feedback
After a journey spanning over 40 years David Holt and Lucy Quibell have successfully guided us through the Local Plan Process on our extensive land holdings, advised on the appointment of Heyford Developments, Land Promotors, who have successfully obtained Planning Consent for 150 houses. Competitive bids were invited and Holt Property agreed the detailed Heads of Terms for the sale to Keepmoat Homes. We were delighted with the price achieved. Holt Property have provided regular progress reports throughout and we have been absolutely delighted with their professional, proactive and honest advice. My friendship with David and Lucy is testament to our relationship.
Landowner Hanson On behalf of the Hanson Family
Warmflame Capital was delighted when this opportunity was identified by David Holt and Lucy Quibell. Holt Property brought this strong site to our attention and successfully negotiated an agreement with the landowner and their agent on our behalf. We were impressed at their strategic land knowledge, professionalism and dedicated approach to securing this land for us. We are all hopeful that the site will be favourably considered for future development when the Local Plan is reviewed and Holt Property keep us updated on the progress. We enjoy working with Holt Property on bringing this site forward and look forward to doing more land deals with them in the future.
Paul Hodge Managing Director at Warmflame Capital