STOFORD NEWS 2022 | 09
LAND PROMOTION
Why Stoford is ideally placed to tackle the shortcomings of the planning system Stoford is in the process of securing c.500 acres of development land in key locations around the country via a new initiative that is not only giving greater flexibility to landowners but is also helping them to navigate the planning process.
Planning Process Guide
The company’s land promotion and development agreements are designed to enable landowners to strategically promote land and take up a series of disposal options during the development cycle. Stoford Land Director Andy Hartwright says “the agreements are in the best interests of landowners, especially in the current climate where planning regulations are preventing supply from keeping pace with market demand”.
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“The dual impact of Brexit and the coronavirus pandemic has continued to fuel consumer appetite for online retail, leading to a record year-on-year take up of available land by firms expanding their warehousing and logistics capabilities.” “Unfortunately, the planning process is not designed to be responsive to the pace of the market seen over the last two years and this has made it difficult for local authorities to have development plans in place to match those requirements.” “We’re seeing the predicted requirements for land and it’s clear that demand isn’t going to be satisfied,” said Andy. “It isn’t a case of developers not offering their schemes, it’s because the planning system is focused on mid-to long-term objectives, so it is restricted in how it can deliver enough land right now. “There will be some challenging months ahead where occupiers are all looking for facilities, and developers are willing to provide it, but they have to secure necessary planning permission.” Stoford’s land and planning team has developed positive working relationships with local authorities in a number of areas across the UK, some of whom weren’t convinced at first they needed to deliver a greater provision of employment land.
As part of its approach, Stoford encourages early reviews of local authority development plans and planning policy flexibility, as well as sharing ‘real time’ market signals to support local authorities in addressing what the market requires. Jo Russell and Stacey Green work in the inhouse planning team, proactively with local authorities, preparing representations to support the identification of an increased supply of employment land. Through evidence gleaned from our relationships, Stoford has undertaken important work to challenge outdated perceptions of available job roles within warehousing and logistics. Jo Russell, Planning Director, explains: “There will be pressure on local authorities to accommodate market requirements and that may lead to a more ambitious approach to planning strategies.
“One of our key strategies has been based on taking a ‘named occupier’ approach to planning, so that local authorities can better understand prospective developments, including the timescales involved and the job creation potential of any scheme. “We’re also raising the awareness within local authorities on the requirements of occupiers and on the nature of typical roles in the sector. The industrial and logistics sector supports highly skilled, highly paid positions and technically challenging roles. “Ultimately, by working in close partnership with local authorities, it means we’re ideally positioned to tackle the challenges of the current planning system on behalf of our clients and landowners.”
1 Site strategy formulated 2 Team appointed 3 Technical and environmental challenges 4 Local authority engagement
For more information, visit:
www.stoford.com/land
5 Stakeholder and community engagement 6 Development plan promotion 7 Planning application 8 Disposal strategy 9 Landowner payments
