Overview
As head of our Residential Development team I work closely with an exciting range of developers and landowners who are involved at all key stages in the housebuilding process. This means that I and my team are involved throughout the life cycle of our client’s developments, from the initial pre-planning strategic stage, through the planning and land acquisition process, to delivery of the new homes and plot sales. Seeing things from the start through to the finished product is hugely rewarding.
The new homes sector is facing a time of exceptional change and this is resulting in exciting opportunities. Sustainability is becoming a key focus. The insights that my team have in the sector mean we can create structures to address issues related to habitat biodiversity, energy efficient infrastructure and nutrient neutrality. I enjoy helping my clients navigate these changes and scan ahead for challenges coming down the line.
Alongside land acquisitions and disposals, I deal with joint venture and collaboration agreements, and the range of structures that enable the delivery of strategic land to development stage, including promotion agreements. I am often involved in large multi-phase development sites involving multiple landowners and complex payment arrangements. My clients range from top five PLC developers, to individuals.
I am very proud of the initiatives we support for collaboration across the sector, such as the Michelmores Property Developers Club, and the Michelmores Property Awards. Opportunities to discuss current issues with our clients are really valuable and we actively seek out ways to provide forums for clients to link up with each other, share market insights and celebrate their successes.
I am ranked in Band 2 for Real Estate in independent legal guide Chambers, and I am listed as a Leading Partner for Commercial Property in the South West by the Legal 500.
Recent experience
Leading on the acquisition for a PLC developer of a flagship site in Bristol with outline planning permission for a mixed-use development of 1,100 homes, a local centre, and a primary school as part of a new neighbourhood of 5,700 new homes
Advising a landowner client in a complex promotion agreement relating to land in Somerset, and subsequently dealing with the sale of the promotion land to a developer with planning permission for 100 homes, bat mitigation land scheme and detailed access requirements
Advising a regional developer on the acquisition of a complex site for new homes in Dorset involving biodiversity requirements, SANG land and deferred payment arrangements
Providing legal support to the development co-ordinator of a significant centre of medical research and health science in Cambridgeshire during the delivery of a development masterplan for an extensive mixed-use life sciences scheme
Advising a South Devon Hospice Charity in relation to an exciting proposed phased redevelopment of the hospice site to include specialist nursing home, assisted living units, and recreational facilities
