Strategic land

In the UK, land with an implementable planning consent remains a scarce resource. Competition for such land is intense resulting in relatively high purchase prices. Our strategic land team is dedicated to identifying sites which do not currently have planning consent, but have good potential for future development. We would typically agree a purchase option arrangement with the landowner and then work together to promote the site through the planning process. Purchase options generally provide us with the ability to purchase the land at a discount to open market value when suitable planning consents are obtained. We aim to increase the proportion of our UK home completions that are built on strategically sourced land over time.

Brownfield land

During 2007, 68% of our homes in the UK were built on 'brownfield’ or previously developed land. This classification incorporates a wide variety of former uses. For example, our Axis development in Coventry is on the site of the former Peugeot works; our Grand Union Village development in West London is on the site of the former Taylor Woodrow head office; and our Modern Ice development in San José, California, is on the site of a former refrigeration and cold storage unit. We regularly turn disused, neglected or contaminated land into thriving new communities. Many of our developments integrate green spaces or wildlife areas and involve conservation work.

Developing communities

Planning skills are a key element of our success. The ability to develop sustainable communities is a key factor in winning land bids and also ensures that the finished developments are attractive and vibrant communities where people want and can afford to live. More detail on this aspect of our business is provided in our separate Corporate Responsibility Report.