Unlocking land potential: How a fresh perspective can reveal new development opportunities

Land that was once considered unsuitable for development may have potential that has yet to be explored. As planning policies evolve, taking another look at previously unsuccessful applications can reveal opportunities for landowners across Essex and the South East.
At Beresfords, our Land division works with landowners to assess development potential, understand the planning position and explore the options available to them.

We are pleased to welcome Alex Kensit to the team as Land Consultant, strengthening our ability to identify opportunities and provide informed advice to landowners.

Reporting to Fraser Allen, Land Director at Beresfords, Alex is responsible for identifying potential development sites, reviewing historic planning applications and working directly with landowners to explore what may be possible.

A key part of his role is assessing how changes to national and local planning policy could create new opportunities for sites that may previously have been overlooked or rejected.

Since joining Beresfords, Alex has already identified more than 140 potential development opportunities that had previously been rejected or overlooked. Some of these sites could have the potential to accommodate more than 300 dwellings.

This demonstrates why it can be worthwhile revisiting the planning history of a site rather than assuming that a previous refusal means development will never be possible.

Planning policy is continually evolving, and changes can affect the prospects of land that has previously been considered unsuitable for development.

Alex’s work includes reviewing the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) and local planning policies to understand how they may influence the potential of individual sites.

This also involves considering changes to Grey Belt policy and proactively contacting landowners where there may be a case for revisiting earlier applications.

Every site is different, and a change in policy does not automatically mean that planning permission will be achievable. However, a fresh assessment can help establish whether circumstances have changed enough to warrant further investigation.

For landowners who have previously explored development and been unsuccessful, this could be an opportunity to understand their options again. Identifying a potential development site is only one part of the process. It is equally important to understand whether a scheme is commercially viable.

Planning permission does not automatically mean a development will make financial sense. Factors such as the Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL), Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) requirements, construction costs and finance can all influence land values and the overall viability of a scheme.

At Beresfords, we believe landowners should have a clear understanding of both the opportunities and the challenges before deciding how to proceed.

Alex’s approach combines an assessment of the planning position with consideration of the practical and financial factors that can determine whether a development is realistic.

This helps landowners make more informed decisions about the next steps for their land.

Fraser Allen, Land Director at Beresfords, said:

“We are delighted to welcome Alex to the team. His appointment further strengthens our Land Division and our ability to provide landowners with informed advice on the opportunities available to them.

“Alex has already made a positive impact, identifying potential development opportunities that had previously been rejected or overlooked. This demonstrates the importance of continually reassessing land as planning policy evolves and circumstances change. His ability to identify potential schemes, combined with an understanding of the practical and financial considerations involved in development, will be a real asset to the team and the landowners we work with.”

Alex has also welcomed the opportunity to explore new possibilities for landowners.

“I have really enjoyed my time so far and it’s been rewarding to identify so many potential development opportunities and see significant interest from them, alongside exploring how changes in planning policy could create new possibilities for landowners,” he said.

“My role is about looking at land with fresh eyes, understanding the planning position and working with landowners to establish what might be possible. Just as importantly, I want to be open, honest and transparent about viability, helping landowners understand both the opportunities and the challenges before deciding on the best way forward.”

If you own land that has previously been refused planning permission, or you believe a site may have potential for development, it could be worth reviewing the position in light of changing planning policy.

Our Land division works with landowners across Essex and the South East to assess opportunities, review planning history and understand the factors that may influence development potential.

To find out more about how Beresfords can help you explore the possibilities for your land, get in touch with our Land team.