Our clients, instructed us (working jointly with a Solicitor colleague) to assist with the purchase of a significant housing development site. The site had the benefit of conditional planning permission and was subject to a Section 106 Planning Agreement.
Although the transaction initially appeared to be a standard site acquisition, it quickly became clear that there were multiple complexities. These included existing legal easements requiring a deed of release, the involvement of a first mortgage lender with its own solicitors and due diligence requirements, and a Joint Venture Agreement to be entered into with a third party who was separately represented.
We guided our clients through each stage of the process. This involved liaising with multiple independent solicitors, resolving title issues and restrictions through detailed site meetings, and ensuring the Section 106 Planning Agreement obligations – particularly around affordable housing – were satisfied. As the transaction progressed, the decision was taken to split the title between the permitted development area and adjoining land with future development potential, requiring the preparation and approval of complex legal documentation.
Despite the number of parties and issues involved, we successfully co-ordinated the transaction between five different legal teams and secured completion for our clients. They valued our clear communication and practical problem-solving, which ensured the acquisition was structured to support both their immediate and long-term development plans.
