UK's biggest housebuilder Barratt Developments joins LPDF

Barratt Developments - the country’s largest and best known housebuilder - has re-joined the LPDF. The company, which is also the biggest residential land vendor in the country, has renewed its affiliate membership. Barratt's reputation is built on providing confidence and security for the landowner by doing what they promise, with one of the largest teams of skilled land buyers in the UK.

New property agency Newton becomes LPDF's 97th member

The LPDF has welcomed its 97th member with the arrival of new Warwickshire-based land, development and property agency Newton as affiliates. Launched this year, Newton is a land, development and property agency and consultancy business with a particular focus on the identification and promotion of strategic land opportunities and the acquisition/sale of development land. The firm was established in 2021 by Richard Foxon and Piers Beeton.

NHBC finds a new home at the LPDF

The latest organisation to join the growing ranks of LPDF members is the NHBC - the UKs leading provider of new homes warranty, building control and construction quality assurance services, working with customers to de-risk developments from land acquisition to final completion and beyond. NHBC's land quality endorsement (LQE) services deliver technical risk management for customers looking to undertake land remediation work or promoting greenfield sites for sale and residential development in line with NHBC standards for land quality.

LPDF appoints planning specialist Phill Bamford

The Land Promoters and Developers Federation (LPDF) has appointed Phill Bamford as associate director of policy and research. Phill, who has 27 years’ experience in both public and private sector planning roles, will work alongside the LPDF’s policy director John Acres.

Multi-disciplinary consultancy Pell Frischmann joins LPDF

Pell Frischmann - a multi-disciplinary consultancy specialising in transport planning, highways, civil and structural engineering, flood risk and drainage - is the latest company to join the LPDF as affiliates. Understanding future communities and how they will thrive alongside and within existing places is critical to building the workplaces and homes the UK crucially needs, says Pell Frischmann.  Planning for the right infrastructure, natural environment, and services is at the heart of achieving that.

Gleeson Strategic Land bolsters LPDF ranks

The LPDF is excited to announce that Gleeson Strategic Land has bolstered our ranks by joining as a full member, bringing our total membership to 93. Gleeson Strategic Land Limited is a strategic land business based in the South of England. Part of MJ Gleeson PLC, Gleeson Strategic Land specialises in taking land through the complex promotion process, maximising returns for landowners via our team of in-house planning and technical experts.

Newsflash: Planning Bill heralded by Queen's Speech.

As widely expected, the Government has promised the introduction of a Bill to modernise the planning system, so that more homes can be built.  In a programme which included 25 new bills (alongside others including the Environment Bill, brought forward from last year) the Government has placed a priority on ‘levelling up’ the country and strengthening the Union, although there is little detail about specific measures at this stage.

LPDF grows again as Land Quest becomes latest full member

Starting the week with great news, confirming that Land Quest has become the LPDF's latest full member. Land Quest was founded in 2018 as a strategic land promotion company, working in conjunction with and on behalf of land owners to maximise the value of their land. 

LPDF welcomes Northern Trust as latest full member

We're delighted to announce that we have welcomed Northern Trust as our latest full member.  Northern Trust is a £500m+ privately owned property investment , development and land management business. It has over eight million sq ft of industrial , trade park and office parks together with 5,000 acres of land throughout the UK.

Leading health sector developer becomes 90th member

We're excited to announce that Assura - the largest developer of primary care and community health premises in the UK - has become the LPDF's 90th member. Our membership continues to grow and includes some of the biggest names in our sector. Over the last 17 years, Assura has completed more than 50 new health care buildings and has grown its portfolio to just under 600 GP surgery, primary care, diagnostic and treatment centre buildings all over the country.

Oxfordshire land supply test ‘level playing field’ returns

The Government’s ‘Housing Growth Deal’ for Oxfordshire, clinched in 2017, has been amended by Housing Minister Christopher Pincher after the county failed to deliver its Joint Oxfordshire 2050 plan on time. In March 2017, Oxfordshire authorities committed to building 100,000 new homes between 2011 and 2031 in return for a £215 million funding package and a requirement to deliver the Oxfordshire 2050 strategic plan by March 2021.

Waterman continues steady flow of new members

The LPDF is continuing to grow in size and influence, with several new members joining since the start of the year. We're delighted to welcome Waterman Group as our latest affiliate member. Waterman’s team of engineers and environmental consultants provide holistic support to property developers and investors, whatever the scale or stage of their project.

LPDF Joins APPG On Housing Markets And Housing Delivery

Homes measures welcomed, but more action needed

The LPDF has welcomed the mortgage guarantee scheme and the extension of the Stamp Duty holiday announced in today’s Budget.   However, it said much more needs to be done to boost housing supply, ensuring the delivery of 300,000 new homes a year, if Generation Rent is going to become Generation Buy.

Strategic land specialist Mather Jamie joins LPDF

Mather Jamie - one of the leading independent, development, commercial and agricultural surveying firms in the Midlands - has joined the growing ranks of LPDF affiliate members. Mather Jamie’s director-led development team specialises in strategic land advisory and development land agency across the UK, and is able to advise clients on a range of residential and commercial development opportunities covering both brown and green field sites.

LPDF welcomes Neptune Group as latest full member

Another property company and land promoter has become a full member of the LPDF, joining the growing list of influential companies supporting our drive to build more homes.  Since 2001, Neptune Group has been working in partnership with landowners across the UK, to explore opportunities for development and promotion of strategic land. They have considerable experience and an established track record in mixed-use development, planning promotions, large strategic land projects and investing in both commercial and residential property throughout the UK.

Chancellor urged to boost economy by scrapping Stamp Duty

The Chancellor has been urged to scrap Stamp Duty on all family homes in next month’s Budget to boost the housing market, help young first-time buyers, and encourage downsizers to move, as he seeks to turbocharge the economic recovery. The Land Promoters and Developers Federation (LPDF) has called on Rishi Sunak to take urgent action to help the housing sector lead the country out of recession and deliver the 300,000 new homes needed each year.

Promoter Unique Land becomes latest full member

We are delighted to announce that Unique Land is the latest company to join the LPDF as a full member. The Canterbury-based promoter becomes the 33rd full member, bringing our total membership to 87 of the leading companies operating in our sector. Unique Land partners with landowners across the UK to secure planning permission on their sites, at no cost or risk to the landowner.

LPDF on right road with transport planners mode

The LPDF is on the road to increasing membership with the arrival of transport planners mode as affiliates.  mode transport planning provides progressive, independent transport planning and highway engineering advice to the property development industry, from its offices in Birmingham, London, Manchester and Reading. It works with some of the UK’s most successful development companies. It is a practice of exceptional individuals that unite behind its brand to deliver clear and commercially viable transport planning advice focused on clients’ needs.

Promoters Highgrove bring LPDF membership to 85

Promoters Highgrove Strategic Land have become the latest full member of the LPDF, boosting our membership to 85 of the sector's leading companies. Highgrove Strategic Land are experts in the promotion of land for residential development. They work alongside their landowning partners and fully fund and manage both the planning promotion and land sale process from start to finish. Once a site has received planning permission, and in order to achieve the best value for our landowners, they collaboratively market the site before jointly agreeing a sale to a purchasing housebuilder.

Inspired choice as retirement community developer joins

We're kicking off 2021 in style, with the announcement that another great company has joined the LPDF. We've extended a warm welcome to affiliate members Inspired Villages, a developer and operator of retirement communities in the UK which is majority owned and fully-funded by Legal & General.  Inspired Villages has six operational villages in the UK, with a further 14 legally secured and under construction, with planning permission or in planning and has aspirations to deliver 60 villages within the next 10 years.

LPDF expresses dismay at U-turn on housebuilding

The Government’s decision to bow to pressure from many Conservative MPs and revise proposed planning reforms, aimed at increasing the building of new homes, has been branded a ‘highly regressive lurch backwards’.   According to the Land Promoters and Developers Federation (LPDF), the Government has turned its back on the chance to use the housing sector to turbocharge economic recovery and has betrayed a generation of young people that want to own a home of their own. 

Rainier Developments joins flood of new members

We’re ending the year on a high as land and development specialist Rainier Developments becomes the latest company to join the LPDF as a full member. In the last few weeks we’ve had several new members join our ranks, bringing the total membership to 84 of our sector’s leading companies.

Promoter Anwyl Land becomes latest LPDF full member

We are delighted to announce that promoter Anwyl Land is the latest company to join the ranks of the LPDF's full members. Flintshire-based Anwyl Land was founded in 2016 as a strategic land promotion company that works in partnership with landowners in order to maximise their land value. 

Another boost as St Philips becomes full member

Land promoter and master developer St Philips has joined the LPDF as a full member. We're delighted to welcome the Birmingham-based business to the federation as we approach the end of what has been a challenging year for many. It is a year that has seen the LPDF go from strength to strength as membership has grown to over 80 of the leading companies in the sector.

LPDF welcomes award winning planning consultancy Nexus

Our voice is growing stronger as more and more members continue to join the LPDF, and we are delighted to welcome Nexus Planning - the 2020 RTPI Planning Consultancy of the Year. Nexus offers market-leading planning, regeneration and development advice to the private and public sectors. Strategic land is a core area of its expertise and it has an enviable track record of success across the UK.

Strategic move as land promoter Sigma joins LPDF

The growth of the LPDF continues with the welcome arrival of new full member and land promoter Sigma Strategic Land. The company specialises in strategic development land promotion, focusing primarily on the delivery of planning consents on both greenfield and brownfield sites. 

'Value investor' ALTERX latest to join LPDF

Membership of the LPDF continues to grow and we are delighted to welcome ALTERX to the federation. ALTERX was created in 2014 as a ‘value investor’ focused on the Western European real estate market. Today, it controls over 30,000 residential plots in England, through promotion, option and freeholds. In addition, it has strategic joint ventures with specialists within specific geographies and sectors. Visit www.alterx.io.

LPDF urges PM - seize opportunity to build back better

Boris Johnson’s government has a huge opportunity to re-set the housing debate - and keep its promise to both ‘build back better’ and plan for them more quickly - by delivering the changes needed to support the construction of more than 300,000 new homes each year, LPDF chairman Paul Brocklehurst told members at our online annual conference.

Land promoter Danescroft brings membership to 78

Membership of the LPDF has risen to 78 with the welcome addition of Danescroft. Joining as an affiliate member, Danescroft is a privately owned property company, focusing on promotion of greenfield and brownfield sites through both immediate planning applications and local plan promotion work.

Housebuilder Inland Homes becomes latest full member

We are delighted to announce that specialist house builder and brownfield developer Inland Homes is the latest full member of the LPDF. Incorporated in the UK in 2005, Inland Homes plc is an AIM listed company, focused on building residential and mixed-use developments for direct sale, or for partner organisations, across the South and South East of England.

Planning PR experts take membership to 75

A company with expertise in the politics of planning is the latest to join the LPDF, bringing the total number of members to 75. SP Broadway - a public relations consultancy specialising in planning and development - has joined as an affiliate member. It provides communications and PR assistance on development projects at all stages of the planning and construction process.

Promoter and developer Jaynic joins the LPDF cause

The LPDF has hit a major milestone, gaining our 25th full member with the welcome arrival of land promoters and developers Jaynic. Jaynic is a very well-established land promotion and property development company, with a transparent and professional approach, covering the South East of England.

PM's ‘Generation Buy’ boost for FTBs welcomed

The Prime Minister’s promise to create two million more owner-occupiers by introducing five per cent mortgage deposits for first-time buyers has been welcomed by the LPDF. The Government is keen to transform ‘Generation Rent’ into ‘Generation Buy’ and has announced a number of initiatives that could give young people the help they need to get a foot on the property ladder while also boosting the housebuilding sector, the LPDF said. Boris Johnson confirmed plans to press ahead with the introduction of long-term, fixed-rate mortgages worth up to 95 per cent of the value of a home for first time buyers.The move would deliver the biggest expansion of home ownership since the Thatcher era 30 years ago.

Leading barristers' chambers joins the LPDF

The LPDF is delighted to welcome Keating Chambers - a leading set of commercial barristers’ chambers, with a thriving domestic and international practice - as our latest affiliate members. Comprising 65 barristers, 30 Queen’s Counsel and 35 Juniors, and 9 international members/honorary associates, Keating Chambers has added planning and environmental regulatory work to its market leading construction, procurement, PFI/PPP, energy and infrastructure practice.

LPDF is really developing as Brookbanks joins

It's wonderful to see that our membership is really developing as we announce the arrival of another great company - Brookbanks. Brookbanks is a leading Master Developer and Development Consultant, providing specialist support to infrastructure engineering projects, highways and environmental planning, development management and commercial management. Visit www.brookbanks.com.

LPDF on the right road as Tarmac joins

You know you're on the right road when a company of the stature of Tarmac joins your organisation. We're delighted to welcome the company to the LPDF as a full member. The LPDF is growing stronger every week. We now have a total of 72 members (24 full members and 48 affiliates), all great companies with first class reputations, working hard to deliver the housing the UK needs. Tarmac, a CRH company, is the UK’s leading sustainable building materials and construction solutions business. www.tarmac.com.

Transport planners TPA join the LPDF journey

Transport Planning Associates (TPA) - which boasts teams of transport planners, traffic engineers and infrastructure designers - is the latest company to join the ever-growing list of LPDF members. The company works with clients to promote the sustainable integration of land use and transport, to minimise the production of travel-related carbon emissions, to develop successful communities.

Award-winning developer Dandara joins the LPDF

As the LPDF goes from strength to strength, we're delighted to announce that our latest new member is Dandara - one of the UK's largest independent property development companies. Established in 1988 from the desire to provide innovative homes and commercial properties, which would offer real value for money without compromising on design, durability or quality, Dandara has over 10,000 happy customers and more than 100 industry awards for design and quality.

Build, build, building our membership base

The LPDF is build, build, building its membership and is delighted to welcome Lexington Communications to the growing list of affiliates. Lexington Communications is the UK’s leading strategy and communications consultancy working with global brands, helping clients manage risk, enhance and protect their reputation and build trust.

Planning overhaul heading in right direction

Long-awaited Government proposals for the transformation of the planning system in order to boost the delivery of new homes have been welcomed by the LPDF. The Government White Paper – Planning for the Future – recommends some of the measures the LPDF called for in its recent ‘Building a Recovery’ report to simplify the planning system and encourage the construction of more housing.

Developer and promoter sees value of joining LPDF

Valorem Investment Partners is the latest land promoter and developer to join the growing ranks of full members of the LPDF. Our 23 full members and 46 affiliates are speaking as one voice to help shape national and local policy on issues affecting the housing sector as a whole.

Planning specialist Woods Hardwick joins LPDF

We're delighted to welcome planning consultants Woods Hardwick into the LPDF fold. We now have 69 members, working together to help our sector lead the economic recovery. Woods Hardwick Planning is a specialist planning consultancy of highly resourceful and diligent town planning professionals advising developers, land promoters, housebuilders, property and landowners and other parties who need to engage with the town planning system.

Local Plans get kickstart after Coronavirus delay

Turley working with Zack Simons of Landmark Chambers, and supported by the LPDF, have succeeded in persuading the Government to introduce new legislation to get the Local Plan system moving after weeks of delay. The Government announced on 16th July that it has laid legislation before Parliament for Local Plan consultations to take place without the need for a hard copy being made available in the council offices.

The Land Trust charity becomes latest member

The LPDF is delighted to announce that The Land Trust, a charity that is committed to the long-term sustainable management of open space for community benefit, has become our latest affiliate member. The charity's vision is to improve the quality of people’s lives by creating sustainable, high quality green spaces that deliver environmental, social and economic benefits. It is passionate about identifying cost-effective solutions to deliver high quality and sustainably maintained open space.

Membership grows as housebuilder joins LPDF

William Davis Homes - one of the most reputable housebuilders in the Midlands - is the latest company to join the LPDF as affiliate members. Privately owned and with over 85 years’ experience, the Loughborough-based company has a genuine commitment to quality, tradition and craftsmanship, all reflected in its status as a HBF five-star housebuilder.

PM urged to help us build road to recovery

Prime Minister Boris Johnson and Chancellor Rishi Sunak are being urged to take urgent action to stimulate the housing sector to enable the UK to accelerate on the road to recovery as it emerges from the Covid-19 lockdown. A Stamp Duty holiday, extending the Help to Buy scheme, a simplified planning system and supercharged incentives for local authorities to deliver housing, are among the measures being demanded by the LPDF and Barton Willmore.

LPDF welcomes Peel L&P as membership grows

Peel L&P - an ambitious regeneration business based in North West England - has become the latest full member of the LPDF, we're delighted to announce. With assets across the UK of £2.6 billion, 20,000 acres of land and water, and a pipeline of 50,000 new homes across all residential sectors, Peel L&P becomes our 22nd full member. We have a further 42 affiliate members.

Paul continues as LPDF chairman

After 15 years, Paul Brocklehurst is stepping down with immediate effect as chief executive of Catesby Estates, one of the UK’s leading land promotion specialists. However, we are delighted to confirm that he will be continuing in his role as chairman of the LPDF.

Strategic move as LSL becomes full member

As our sector begins to get back to work, leading the recovery of the economy, we're delighted to welcome a new full member to LPDF. London Strategic Land (LSL) is a fund set up to acquire land in, and commutable to, Greater London with the aim of creating value through obtaining or changing existing planning permissions, primarily with the aim of building residential housing.

Developers and builders vital to kickstart economy

Home-builders have been given the green light to get going again. Robert Jenrick, Minister for Housing & Planning, made a statement to Parliament and later delivered a powerfully upbeat speech at the Downing Street Coronavirus briefing, in which he urged companies to ‘Get back to building again’. He also praised those builders who were delivering housing for key workers and highlighted the Government’s ‘First Homes’ scheme for first-time buyers and key workers. Here, John Acres takes a look at what it all means.

LPDF & Landmark Chambers Webinar

The first ever LPDF webinar took place today. Many thanks to Landmark Chambers for an excellent session ‘A comprehensive guide to the latest Planning Law, Practice and Policy’.

Property consultancy struts into the LPDF

With so much bad news making the headlines in these testing times, we're delighted to be able to share some good news. Despite the lockdown, our membership continues to grow with the arrival of Strutt and Parker - one of the largest property consultancies in the UK. The company has a national team of experienced professionals advising on the promotion, planning, marketing and sale of residential-led development projects.

Webinar LPDF & Landmark Chambers - The Planning System Now

Webinar LPDF & Landmark Chambers - The Planning System Now. This is a members only event.

Global firm RPS bolsters LPDF ranks

Leading global professional services firm RPS is the latest major company to join the LPDF. RPS defines, designs and manages projects that create shared value to a complex, urbanising and resource-scarce world. Navigating the planning process presents complex challenges. With deep expertise, founded on almost 50 years of experience, the company supports clients throughout the entire planning life-cycle: smoothly, efficiently and with confidence.

Facing up to the Covid-19 challenges ahead

None of us is immune to Covid-19 or the huge impact it is going to have on British businesses. The housing sector has been through many recessions and tends to come out of each better prepared to fight the next challenge. Here at the LPDF, we are certain that the housbuilding industry will be critical to the economic recovery. We will be working constructively and positively with the LPAs through the challenging months ahead to ensure that planning applications are determined.

Engagement consultants make strategic move

We're starting the week on a high as we welcome PDI to the LPDF family. London-based PDI are strategic political and community engagement consultants for the development industry. They work closely with publicly limited companies, funds and developers on residential and mixed-use developments whether Brownfield, Greenfield or Green Belt. (www.pd-i.co.uk)

Generator helps power growth of LPDF

The LPDF is delighted to welcome Generator Strategic Land as a new full member, bringing our total membership to 60 companies operating across our sector. A division of Generator Group, Generator Strategic Land (GSL) was founded in 2017 in a joint venture with Topland Group, one of Europe’s largest privately-owned investment groups.

Chancellor heralds big capital spending boost

Against the background of the growing Coronavirus epidemic, the new Chancellor, Risha Sunak, delivered an ambitious £600bn capital spending programme for the current Parliament in his first budget statement, triggering a substantial increase in Government borrowing. Coming hot on the heels of the OBR's decision to reduce the interest rate by 0.5% to 0.25% earlier in the day, the Chancellor committed the Government to tripling infrastructure spending and ‘changing the mindset of Government’ by reviewing the ‘Green Book’ which assesses value for money in capital spending as part of the ‘levelling up agenda’.

Warm LPDF welcome for Walsingham Planning

There's strength in numbers, and the LPDF's voice is getting stronger as membership continues to grow. Our latest new affiliate is Walsingham Planning. Established in 1984, the company has successfully helped hundreds of clients achieve their development ambitions thanks to its specialist planning advice and support.

Appeal for info as LPDF meets Quartermain

The LPDF staged a very productive round-table meeting with Steve Quartermain CBE, the Government’s Chief Planner, and two of his civil servant colleagues, before he retires at the end of March.  This arose out of an earlier introductory meeting at Marsham Street last month. Some 15 land promoters joined the open discussion held in London.

Regeneration specialist Countryside joins LPDF

Regeneration specialists Countryside Partnerships has become the 59th company to join the LPDF. The company creates places of character and quality, designed to strengthen people’s sense of belonging and build enduring value for all. Its partnerships division specialises in medium to large-scale urban regeneration of public sector and delivering private and affordable homes.

Wharton puts down roots as LPDF affiliates

Wharton Natural Infrastructure Consultancy has put down roots in the LPDF. The latest company to join as affiliates, Wharton provides topographical surveys, tree and ecology advice and analysis and detailed landscape architecture, working on a wide range of projects, for a variety of clients including architects, planners, developers, local authority and landowners. Working collaboratively with project teams and stakeholders, the company assists with one-off residential developments to multi-phase strategic development projects. It provides complete feasibility and opportunities to help plan sites, taking them through detailed design and implementation. Its unique approach helps clients clearly understand the constraints and opportunities of a site, saving time, money and adding value to projects. https://www.wnic.co.uk/

A passion for housing and planning? Join the team.

We are looking for an individual who is passionate about planning policy, the housing agenda, new home delivery and the economic growth that is needed to help solve the UK’s housing crisis. You will be responsible for taking forward the next elements of the Federation's planning policy and help highlight the role land promoters play in housing delivery. You will understand the underlying political dynamics affecting planning policy and housing delivery and the opportunities and challenges this presents to the Federation and its members. This is a key position within the Federation and one that brings with it a lot of responsibility but also opportunity.

Task force leader joins Custom Build Homes

Mario Wolf, founding director of the Right to Build Task Force and influential expert in the UK custom and self-build sector, has joined the Custom Build Homes’ senior management team. The appointment strengthens the custom build specialists’ strategy to focus on growth of delivery within the sector. Mario is the company’s new director of planning and strategic engagement. He joins after a highly accomplished career in the Civil Service and the planning and development sector. He is a Corporate Member of the Royal Town Planning Institute and, prior to working in Government, enjoyed an extensive career in planning across the globe in both private and public sector roles. In the Civil Service, Mario led the introduction and implementation of a range of housing programmes and planning reforms spanning almost 20 years. His final two years as a civil servant was on secondment to the National Custom and Self-Build Association (NaCSBA) as director of The Right to Build Taskforce.

Town planners Lanpro latest to join LPDF

Lanpro - an independent multi-disciplinary consultancy specialising in town planning, urban design, architecture, landscape, the historic environment and transport - has joined the growing ranks of LPDF members. The company works to secure the best planning outcome possible for clients. With a focus on planning, design and development outcomes, it constantly strives for excellence and has the right staff to deliver it by placing clients' best interests at the heart of everything it does. Lanpro is proud to deliver good schemes, providing buildings and places that are valued and enhance the way people live, work and interact, all fuelled by creativity and a desire to leave things better than they found them. https://www.lanproservices.co.uk

Event puts spotlight on Rosewell in Action

It was great to see so many members at our Rosewell in Action event in Birmingham, hosted by Eversheds Sutherland and King's Chambers. Stuart Andrews, of Eversheds Sutherland, and Giles Cannock QC, of King's Chambers, gave interesting presentation about the impact of Rosewell on planning inquiries. A lively question and answer session followed, with some members sharing their experience of the new guidance. Our next event is our annual lunch in London on April 1st - tickets are going fast so please get in touch soon to reserve your place. Email info@lpdf.co.uk

Housing supply high on agenda at DCN2020

We had some very interesting discussions with local authority leaders when we attended the District Councils' Network annual conference in Kenilworth, with the theme of 'Better Lives, Stronger Economies'. Chairman Paul Brocklehurst led our delegation at #DCN2020, discussing how we can improve the housing supply to meet the Government's target of 300,000 each year. In a Q&A session, he answered questions including: How many of the 300,000 need to be social/affordable homes, and how do we build enough of this type of housing? How can we get the high volume house builders to embrace low carbon construction? We'll be following up on many of the conversations we had and we would like to say thank you to everyone that showed an interest in the LPDF and our members.

LPDF membership is in Mosaic's masterplan

Our membership inbox has been busy at the start of 2020, with several companies joining the LPDF. The latest new affiliate member is Mosaic, based in Notting Hill, London. Mosaic is a masterplanning and urban design practice focusing on strategic land across the UK. The company designs across a range of contexts, scales and land uses via a commercially aware, collaborative and process driven approach. Current projects range from mixed-use new settlements, through to smaller schemes for bespoke house builders, covering every scale in between.

All eyes on design in push for 'beautiful' townscapes

Hard on the heels of the Government’s ‘National Design Guide’ issued in October 2019, MHCLG has indicated that they will be issuing a ‘Design Code’ in the near future to guide developers and housebuilders on design issues – which will doubtless be used by local authorities to determine local interpretations of design guidance, writes John Acres. The LPDF will be represented at the launch of the final ‘Building Better, Building Beautiful’ report on Thursday 30th January, which is likely to focus on the key elements expected to create a more ‘beautiful’ townscape – a theme developed in the draft report issued by co-chairman Nicolas Boys Smith and Sir Roger Scruton in June 2019.

Conservation stars Orion become members

As the LPDF's influence continues to grow, there's been a rush of companies becoming new members. The latest is Orion Heritage, which provides independent advice to the private sector aimed at resolving the often conflicting demands of conservation while achieving profitable and sustainable developments. The company prides itself on understanding clients' businesses and projects and responds positively to their aims and objectives. In order to do this, it provides the following services: Land Acquisition/Due Diligence; Desk-Based Assessment; Scheduled Monument Consent applications; Negotiation with LPAs and Statutory Consultees; Defining, Procuring and Managing Fieldwork; Environmental Impact Assessment; Expert Witness. http://www.orionheritage.co.uk

Landscape designers BMD latest to join

Landscape architecture specialist Bradley Murphy Design (BMD) has joined the growing ranks of LPDF members. BMD is a well-established and highly respected landscape architecture and ecology practice operating throughout the UK from three strategically-located studios in Birmingham, Cambridge and Warwick. BMD specialises in the creation of people-focused, sustainable landscapes, open spaces and public realm, partnering with developers, house builders and local authorities to help unlock landscape value, using a landscape-led approach to transform spaces into places. www.bradleymurphydesign.co.uk 

LPDF welcomes top law firm Shoosmiths

Shoosmiths, which is listed as a top 10 UK real estate firm in the Lawyer’s Global Real Estate 50, has joined the LPDF. With one of the largest multi-disciplinary real estate practices in the UK, Shoosmiths brings market-leading insight to any transaction or dispute, regardless of size or complexity, ensuring a highly-skilled and commercial approach that goes beyond just advising on ‘the law’. www.shoosmiths.co.uk.

LPDF welcomes CSA Environmental as latest member

CSA Environmental is the latest company to join the LPDF. The company has been working alongside the UK’s leading property developers, project managers and government agencies since 1998. They rely on the company’s detailed understanding of the environmental issues that affect planning and development. www.csaenvironmental.co.uk.

Wallace Land invests in LPDF membership

The LPDF is delighted to announce that Wallace Land Investments – specialists in strategic land and development – is the latest company to join the growing list of full members.

Davidsons homes in on LPDF benefits

Another great company has recognised the benefits of joining the LPDF as affiliate members. We're delighted to welcome master builders Davidsons to our ranks. Davidsons are high quality master builders and place makers. They believe in heritage, deliver quality developments, engage with local communities and have built their company to reflect the same customer focused service and build quality that the Wilson family has developed over generations of master building. Their main focus isn’t to build new homes at record speed. They take time to make sure they are right for the surrounding area, paying great attention to the site layout, exterior designs, brickwork and detailing. Each development is built to fit seamlessly into the local area. www.davidsonsgroup.co.uk

Christmas chemistry for members at The Alchemist

It was great to see so many members at our Christmas drinks event at The Alchemist in Birmingham. We hope you all enjoyed the fantastic cocktails and food, and made the most of the opportunity to network with so many like-minded people. Here's to a very prosperous new year for all our members. We'll be having many more events which we would encourage you to come along and support.

Real estate giant JLL backs the LPDF

One of the biggest names in real estate services has thrown its weight behind the LPDF. JLL is the latest company to join our organisation as affiliate members. JLL buys, builds, occupies and invests in a variety of assets including industrial, commercial, retail, residential and hotel real estate. From tech startups to global firms, its clients span industries including banking, energy, healthcare, law, life sciences, manufacturing and technology. For more information please visit www.jll.co.uk.

Time has come to review green belt policy

Green belts are often described as the best-known, but most mis-understood, UK planning policy, says LPDF policy director John Acres. In a year when we celebrate the 70thanniversary of the National Parks & Access to the Countryside Act 1949– which heralded both National Parks and Areas of Outstanding National Beauty – one might be excused for thinking that green belts are part of that same objective – to promote, preserve and protect Britain’s landscape.    They are not.

LPDF ranks bolstered by Barton Willmore

Leading independent planning and design consultancy Barton Willmore has bolstered the ranks of LPDF members. The company is the latest to join as affiliate members. Barton Willmore, which has 13 offices nationwide, combines national influence with local knowledge to offer clients the very best advice.

Developer Thakeham joins as full member

We are delighted to announce that Thakeham - one of the south east's leading developers - has joined the LPDF as full members. We now have 18 full members and 31 affiliates, with 12 of those joining since our annual conference in September. Thakeham delivers private residential development and quality affordable homes, with infrastructure, road improvements, community facilities and schools.

LPDF’s voice in housing debate grows stronger

Some of the UK’s leading companies, working to end the housing crisis by encouraging the development of more than 300,000 homes each year, are joining forces by supporting the Land Promoters and Developers Federation. Membership of the LPDF has grown significantly, with 12 companies signing up in just the past two months, including infrastructure-led developer and land promoter, Thakeham.

LPDF welcomes Custom Build Homes

We're delighted to announce that we have welcomed Custom Build Homes as the latest LPDF member. Custom Build Homes is the UK's leading enabling development company which supports the sale of serviced plots and customisable homes. It enables individuals to create their own home through an enjoyable and supported process, providing help for those who own or have identified land for development to bring forward custom build homes and maximise value.

Real estate lawyers boost LPDF ranks

The LPDF has welcomed Irwin Mitchell to the ranks of new members. The company provides legal services to land promoters, developers, private and institutional landowners operating from 15 locations across the UK. Ranked as a market-leading law firm in the independent Legal 500 and Chambers UK guides, with over 250 lawyers personally recommended, its real estate team consists of over 130 real estate lawyers with specialists focusing on strategic land and residential development.

Transport specialist Vectos joins LPDF

Vectos - an innovative provider of transport planning, infrastructure design, and flood risk and drainage services to the development industry - has joined the LPDF. With 150 staff in eight cities, it operates across all land uses on projects of all scales and complexities. Drawing on its international R&D sustainable mobility work, Vectos is one of the leading consultancies in the promotion of development-related sustainable and active travel design.

UK's largest housebuilder joins LPDF

We are delighted to announce that Barratt Developments PLC has joined the LPDF. The company, which last year completed 17,856 homes, is the latest to join the growing ranks of affiliate members. Barratt Developments has built nearly 500,000 homes in the last 60 years and, as the nation’s largest housebuilder, is creating great new places to live throughout Britain.

Communications specialist gets the LPDF message

BECG, the sector specialist communications consultancy for the built environment, has joined the LPDF as an affiliate. From offices across the UK, it provides private and public sector clients with expert counsel and award-winning communications services. Its expertise and understanding of the built environment delivers commercial value by maximising opportunities, managing reputations and reducing risk.

To be or not to be LPDF members?

Shakespeare Martineau and Marrons Planning are the latest companies to join the ever growing list of LPDF affiliates, giving us an even stronger voice in the housing debate. Shakespeare Martineau's comprehensive end-to-end service, covering everything from leases to litigation, is focused on devising inventive and cost-effective solutions to your operational or investment needs. www.shma.co.uk Marrons Planning's team of town planning consultants provides advice and guidance on a wide range of planning and development issues. www.marrons-planning.co.uk

Spotlight on solutions to housing crisis

A generational injustice is manifesting itself as more and more young people’s dreams of buying their own homes are crushed by the dramatic rise in house prices due to the lack of supply of land caused by planning policy, according to the LPDF. LPDF chairman Paul Brocklehurst told delegates at the organisation’s first ever annual conference that the 500% increase in average house prices over the past 30 years has left many feeling excluded from the possibility of owning their own home.

LAW FIRM BECOMES LATEST LPDF MEMBER

International law firm Charles Russell Speechlys LLP has joined the growing ranks of LPDF affiliate members. Headquartered in London, with offices in the south of England, it has a strong focus on real estate and acts for many institutional and private landowners, land promoters and developers.

LPDF welcomes Town Legal LLP

Leading boutique planning law firm Town Legal LLP is the latest company to join the growing ranks of LPDF members. Based in London but working across the rest of England and Wales, they provide unparalleled planning law advice in relation to larger complex planning law matters.

Eversheds Sutherland and Landmark Chambers join the LPDF

We are delighted to announce that Eversheds Sutherland, one of the top 50 largest law practices in the world, and Landmark Chambers, leading barristers chambers specialising in planning and property, have become the latest in the growing list of affiliate members of the LPDF.

Pigeon flying high as two deals completed

Pigeon has completed two deals, selling nine acres of residential land in Bury St Edmunds, and acquiring 87 acres of freehold land at Hemel Hempstead.

EDP Joins The LPDF

We are pleased to announce EDP has joined the Federation.

Pegasus Group And Howes Percival Join The LPDF

We are pleased to welcome the latest affiliate members to the federation: Pegasus Group and Howes Percival.

Savills & Neame Sutton Join LPDF

We are pleased to welcome the latest affiliate members to the federation: Savills and Neame Sutton.

LPDF Hosts LGA Conference Fringe Event

The LPDF hosted their first ever fringe event this month at the Local Government Association (LGA) Conference held in Bournemouth.

LPDF Welcomes New Affiliate Members

We are pleased to welcome the latest affiliate members to the federation: Lichfields, Howkins & Harrison and PBA, now part of Stantec.

Submission to the Public Accounts Committee Inquiry into Planning and the Broken Housing Market

It is vital in our view, that Government encourages a broad portfolio of sites to come forward to meet all parts of the housing market and to cater for all types of housing need.

Waddeton Park Joins The LPDF

The membership of the LPDF continues to grow. We are pleased to welcome Waddeton Park Ltd to the Federation.

No5 Barristers’ Chambers Joins The LPDF

Affiliate membership of the LPDF continues to grow!  We would like to welcome our latest affiliate member to the Federation; No5 Barristers’ Chambers.

Tetlow King Planning Joins The LPDF

We would like to welcome our latest affiliate member to the Federation; Tetlow King Planning.

LPDF Urges Property Firms To Join Housing Debate

The LPDF which is is working to enhance the planning process, and help deliver the new homes and communities this country needs, inviting companies in the sector to get involved and support their campaign.

Strong Interest From Affiliates

The interest in affiliate membership continues to grow with Bidwells, Fisher German and Gateley Plc joining the LPDF.

Affiliate Membership Grows

We are pleased to welcome the latest affiliate members to the federation: Title & Covenant Brokers (Stackhouse Poland), Kings Chambers, Turley and Carter Jonas.

Affiliate Membership Now Open

We are now extending our membership offering to affiliate businesses that are active within the sector.  Affiliate members are a valuable part of the LPDF and include solicitors, planning consultants, financial institutes and engineers.

John Acres Appointed Policy Director

The Land Promoters and Developers Federation (LPDF) is delighted to announce that John Acres has been appointed as Policy Director.

Unanimous Support For New Homes In Haughley

LPDF Member, Catesby Estates is pleased to announce Mid Suffolk District Council has resolved to grant outline planning permission for 65 new homes on an 11.6 acre site, west of Fishponds Way in Haughley.

Land Value Capture & Compulsory Purchase Orders

The LPDF absolutely supports the principle that those responsible for development should bear the costs of its impact on existing communities.

Ever-expanding Green Belt Must Be Tackled

A IEA new report on the UK's housing crisis.  If a tenth of designated Green Belt land around Greater London were used for new housing, 160,000 new homes could be produced.

Land Specialist Secures Development Partner

Strategic land company Richborough Estates has secured Bovis Homes as its development partner to deliver a residential development on the southern edge of Kenilworth.

Richborough Estates Secures Consent

Strategic land promotion company & LPDF member Richborough Estates has received planning consent for a development of 131 homes at Hampton Magna in Warwickshire.

Consultation: Developer Contributions Reform

The LPDF is pleased to respond to the Government’s consultation on reform of the Community Infrastructure Regulations 2010.

Consultation On Updates To NPP And Guidance

The LPDF welcome the opportunity to engage with the Government on all matters relating to housing delivery and look forward to an open dialogue with the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government in the coming months.

LPDF Newsletter November 2018

Latest LPDF Newsletter providing an update of the latest publications across the housebuilding and planning sectors from a wide range of public, private and quasi-governmental organisations.

LPDF Newsletter October 2018

Latest LPDF Newsletter providing an update of the latest publications across the housebuilding and planning sectors from a wide range of public, private and quasi-governmental organisations.

Review Of Planning Appeal Inquiries

Gladman Developments Ltd, a founding member of the LPDF, submitted a response to the Government’s ongoing review of planning appeal inquiries (the “Rosewell Review”).

LPDF Newsletter September 2018

Latest LPDF Newsletter providing an update of the latest publications across the housebuilding and planning sectors from a wide range of public, private and quasi-governmental organisations.

LPDF Member Submits Plans For 640 New Homes

Outline plans have been submitted for the construction of up to 640 new homes on 76 acres at Woodside Conference Centre and Crewe Lane, Kenilworth, Warwickshire.

LPDF Member Secures Consent

LPDF member, Richborough Estates, and national planning consultancy, Turley, have secured a resolution to grant permission for a new residential site to the east of Higham Lane in Nuneaton.

Ainscough Strategic Land Joins LPDF

We are pleased to welcome a further new member to the growing LPDF. Ainscough Strategic Land was founded in 2007 and now is one of the UK’s leading land promotion companies

LPDF Newsletter August 2018

Latest LPDF Newsletter providing an update of the latest publications across the housebuilding and planning sectors from a wide range of public, private and quasi-governmental organisations.

LPDF Member Extends Promotion Portfolio

LPDF member, Catesby Estates plc has entered into an agreement to promote land at Meriden, Solihull. Located within the administrative area of Solihull Metropolitan Borough Council, the 14.8 acre site has potential for new homes.

Publication Of Revised NPPF

Members of the LPDF look forward to working with the Local Authorities, statutory consultees, communities and all other parties as we strive to achieve the delivery of homes that the country desperately needs.

Richborough Estates Sells Site To Barwood Homes

The LPDF welcomes the news that Richborough Estates, one of our members, has completed the sale of a 6.17 acre residential development site in the Leicestershire village of Gilmorton, to developer Barwood Homes.

Letwin's Independent Review Of Build Out Rates

The fundamental driver of build out rates once detailed planning permission is granted for large sites appears to be the ‘absorption rate’ – the rate at which newly constructed homes can be sold into.

Data Privacy Notice Update

GDPR is effective from 25 May 2018 and our updated Notice sets out the types of personal data we hold and explains how we collect, use, store and share this data among other matters.

New Secretary Of State For MHCLG

James Brokenshire was appointed Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government on 30 April 2018. He was elected the Conservative MP for Old Bexley and Sidcup in 2010.

Give Land Promoters A Break

When it comes to public perceptions it seems that housebuilders sit close to the bottom alongside land promoters, bankers and energy companies.

Theresa May And Making Housing Fairer

A country where, regardless of where you live, your race or religion, or what your parents do for a living, you have a fair chance to get on and build a life for yourself and your family.

Select Committee Inquiry into Land Value Capture

The Communities and Local Government Committee (CLG) Committee is to examine the effectiveness of current land value capture methods and the need for new ways of capturing any uplift in the value of land.

New Money To Build Homes Stalled By Planning?

The first wave of the Planning Delivery Fund, totalling £15.8 million, has been awarded to enable councils to process more applications, implement new reforms and also train planners to tackle the housing challenges faced by their local area.