Leigh company strikes sale deals for two sites with potential for 233 homes
Leigh-based Ainscough Strategic Land has sold sites to house builders in East Yorkshire and Wiltshire, respectively, having promoted them through the planning system on behalf of the land owners.
The deals, struck simultaneously, will see Harron Homes construct 133 new houses in the village of Carlton, near Goole, while Backhouse will build 100 homes on the Northern edge of Swindon.
Neither site had originally been earmarked for development in their respective local plans, but Ainscough successfully argued their suitability for development, winning at appeal in Swindon.
“There were some tricky planning issues to navigate but we were able to demonstrate the logic of each development,” said John Brooks, planning director at Ainscough Strategic Land.
“In both cases we were able to achieve best value to the land owner whilst delivering highly attractive developments to the house builders.”
Full public consultations with stakeholders were held prior to both planning submissions and a series of Section 106 contributions, including on-site affordable housing, will be provided for the benefit of local people, says Brooks.
The deals were made possible after the land owners had entered into land promotion agreements with Ainscough, which assumes all costs and risk associated with managing a site through the planning process.
On successful disposal of a consented site, Ainscough’s costs are met, along with a proportion of the sale fee.
The company currently has a further 20 sites around the country at various stages of the planning process, including in the North West, and is implementing an aggressive growth strategy over the coming financial year.
Chris Parkinson, of Trowers & Hamlins Manchester, advised on the Carlton disposal. Prew Lumley of Squire Patton Boggs, Leeds, advised on the Swindon deal.
