Maximising value of sites for London Borough

Cluttons’ planning and regeneration team, along with colleagues in the development agency team, were instructed by the London Borough of Sutton from 2008 to 2102 assisting with the disposal of surplus sites owned by the local authority.

The scope of works within this commission led us to advising the council on in excess of 10 sites, predominantly within the London Borough of Sutton but also including land within the neighbouring borough, London Borough of Merton.

Outcome

Across five sites we secured outline planning permission over the period 2011/2012 for in excess of 90 residential units. All sites have subsequently been sold by our development agency team.

How we helped

Based on the findings of our planning and development appraisals we advised the council on the best course of future action.

• In most cases following the appraisal we either prepared planning and development briefs or applied for outline planning permission on the sites prior to sale
• The planning and development briefs involved working closely with the local authority with a goal of securing direction for appropriate development on the site in anticipation for disposal or engagement in joint ventures
• For the outline applications we secured pre-application advice and procured and managed the design team. The teams procured included architects, transport consultants, arboriculture and, where appropriate, flood risk consultants among others. Cluttons produced the planning statements
• Once applications were submitted we monitored, maintained contact with the relevant case officers and attended and represented our clients at the relevant Development Control Committee meetings.