The planning system is very complex and despite periodic reform, will remain so. Navigating a path through this labyrinth from strategic land to planning permission is expensive, risky, uncertain and requires an expert and experienced hand at the helm.
Robert Hitchins has successfully promoted land through the system for over 60 years and we understand that the decision facing a landowner in choosing the right partner to be responsible for achieving planning permission is paramount.
Our track record has few equals and our reputation has been built on success and fairness.
Land is an indispensable component for development to take place and whilst there is plenty of it, there is a shortage of planning permissions. This is what gives permission land its enhanced value.
We will consider land opportunities be they short, medium, or long term and we will appraise the development potential of land promptly and honestly.
Our job at Robert Hitchins is to take land from its existing use and carry it through the complex maze of the planning system, to the grant of a planning permission, be it for housing, business parks or retail parks, delivering sustainable development which advances economic growth and provides community benefits.
We have an experienced professional team that have underpinned our successful track record through consistently delivering sales.
If we believe that potential exists, we can proceed usually in one of four ways:
1. Freehold Purchase:
An outright purchase at a price that reflects its potential, and which is usually many times its existing value.
2. Freehold Purchase with Uplift:
A purchase followed by an additional payment, triggered on the grant of planning permission, at either an agreed fixed sum or an amount expressed as a percentage of the enhanced land value with the benefit of the planning permission.
3. Conditional Contract:
The landowner and Robert Hitchins enter into contracts obliging Hitchins to seek to secure a planning permission at its own expense and risk, with a purchase at a pre-agreed price following the grant of permission.
4. Promotion Agreement:
Essentially a partnership arrangement where the landowner receives an initial, non-returnable, premium and Robert Hitchins will take on the responsibility of promoting the land, entirely at its own expense and risk, reporting to the landowner on progress. Following the grant of the planning permission, the land is sold on the open market and the proceeds are distributed between the landowner and Robert Hitchins according to pre-agreed proportions.
Every landholding is unique, and landowners have their own individual needs. We understand this and can tailor the terms of the relationship with corresponding flexibility.
If you would like to have a confidential discussion about your land, please contact us and we will appraise its potential.
With nearly 50 planning permissions secured since 2012 and more than 100 residential land sales completed in the past 20 years, Robert Hitchins understands how to generate and secure valuable planning permissions which will deliver the best prices for stakeholders on the sale of permissioned land.
Clean Planning Permissions:
Permissions come with conditions which can complicate, hinder and delay the commencement of development and which will reduce the land value. We work forensically to ensure that conditions are tailored to suit the end purchaser.
Minimise Planning Obligations:
Permissions also come with planning obligations in the form of financial contributions and works and the provision of affordable housing. If not dealt with skilfully and with stubborn resistance to unjustifiable demands, they can dramatically reduce land value. We do not give way just to get a permission and often resort to appeal, which invariably results in the minimisation of planning obligations and maximisation of land values.
Design and Delivery of Infrastructure:
Development land often requires infrastructure in the form of access, road junctions, drainage and services before other construction can begin. Designing and delivering infrastructure, as well as obtaining approvals, can be a lengthy and complex process. Where it will enhance land value, our in-house design and engineering team can undertake this work in advance of a land sale, thereby offering the developer purchaser an oven-ready site which will maximise the value and generate a premium on the sale price.
On multi-phase sites, we can also design and construct major on-site roads, drainage systems, recreation and community facilities, and schools. This allows the developer to focus on its core housebuilding business and will increase the price achieved on the land sale.
In order to deliver a site ready for development, co-ordination between our in-house teams and a significant number of professionals is required. We are experienced in working with these professionals in order to deliver a site fit for development that will achieve the best sales price.
Through long established relationships with many housebuilders, we have been involved in the delivery of hundreds of projects built upon shared principles allowing mutual objectives to be achieved.
We have an experienced and knowledgeable in-house team of surveyors, planners, engineers, designers and solicitors which is complemented by reputable external consultants.
The very successful track record of the Robert Hitchins Land Team is illustrated through the delivery and completion of the projects below.
26 March 2025
Developer Robert Hitchins has won a prestigious award for its groundbreaking development at Central...
27 November 2024
There were cheers all round when...
With substantial funding available we have immediate requirements for land, development and investment opportunities throughout the South West, Midlands and South Wales so please get in touch.
© Robert Hitchins Limited 2025. All rights reserved. Company registration no: 686734
