Land Development Solicitors

Land development is the process of transforming land into a site that can be used for residential, commercial, industrial or mixed-use purposes. This involves multiple stages, such as site acquisition, planning and design, securing permissions, installing infrastructure (e.g. roads, drainage, utilities), and overseeing construction.

Each step requires coordination between developers, legal professionals, architects, engineers, and local authorities to ensure compliance and feasibility.

The development of property and land often involves a complex mix of legal considerations. Key issues include:

• Securing planning permission from the local planning authority.
• Resolving title or boundary issues that could affect the right to develop.
• Drafting and negotiating development agreements with contractors and consultants.
• Ensuring compliance with environmental laws and sustainability requirements.
• Managing construction contracts to allocate risk appropriately.
• Meeting local authority obligations such as Section 106 agreements or Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) payments.

Legal oversight is essential to prevent disputes, regulatory breaches, or unexpected costs later in the process.

Yes. A solicitor experienced in land development can conduct thorough due diligence on the site, including checking title deeds, restrictive covenants, planning history, environmental risks, and access rights. They will also:

• Review or draft the land acquisition agreement.
• Advise on planning constraints or upcoming changes to local policy.
• Identify potential legal obstacles early on.
• Ensure the contract protects your interests, especially regarding conditional completions and overage provisions.

Their input is crucial to help you avoid expensive delays or legal disputes.

Section 106 agreements (also known as planning obligations) are private agreements made between developers and local planning authorities as part of the planning permission process. These agreements aim to make a development proposal acceptable in planning terms by requiring the developer to provide certain community benefits. These might include:

• Funding for local schools or healthcare services.
• Contributions to public transport or road improvements.
• Provision of affordable housing.
• Creating public open spaces or environmental enhancements.

The terms must be reasonable, necessary, and directly related to the development. A solicitor can help negotiate fair terms and ensure your obligations are clearly understood and enforceable.

The most appropriate legal structure depends on the nature, scale and stakeholders of the project. Common structures include:

• Special Purpose Vehicles (SPVs) – A separate company created solely for the project, often used to limit liability and manage finance more effectively.
• Joint ventures – Formal arrangements between multiple parties (e.g. landowners, investors, developers) that set out roles, responsibilities, and profit shares.
• Partnerships or limited liability partnerships (LLPs) – Used when flexibility and tax efficiency are key considerations.

Your solicitor can advise on the most tax-efficient and risk-appropriate structure, draft the relevant agreements, and ensure all parties’ interests are legally protected throughout the development.