Lands Improvement signs strategic land promotion agreement with charitable trust to progress 1,000 home Redbourn development
Lands Improvement Holdings (‘Lands Improvement’), one of the UK’s leading strategic land development companies, has entered a land promotion agreement with the Lawes Agricultural Trust (LAT)* to promote and deliver a new community of up to 1,000 new homes in Redbourn in Hertfordshire.
The 104-acre open arable site is situated on the northeast edge of the village of Redbourn, between Dunstable Road, Harpenden Lane and the Redbourn Bypass, and within the District of St Albans.
Lands Improvement has been selected as the promoter partner following a competitive bid process run by Savills, which brought the site to the market on behalf of LAT. The acquisition of this promotion agreement demonstrates Lands Improvements’ growth and expansion strategy utilising both freehold and promotion opportunities on high quality strategic land sites.
Lands Improvement will now work with LAT, the local council, stakeholders, residents and businesses to release the site from the Green Belt and promote the land for development as part of St Albans City & District Council’s Local Plan for growth to 2036.
The proposals will look to provide a landscape-led scheme with a new countryside park along the River Ver at its heart. In addition to new homes, the scheme will focus on providing infrastructure improvements for wider social and community needs to support a sustainable future for Redbourn.
Peter Oxley, executive director of Lawes Agricultural Trust, said:
“After an extensive process to seek a partner which matches our aims, objectives and aspirations for the land, the Lawes Agricultural Trust is delighted to be partnering with Lands Improvement Holdings on this exciting project. The Trustees were impressed by LIH’s track record and commitment to working collaboratively to deliver a high quality, sustainable development.
We look forward to working together on this project, which is vital for the Trust’s ongoing long-term support for important scientific research activities at Rothamsted, home to the world’s oldest agricultural research institution, which in turn plays an important role in meeting the global challenges of feeding a growing population in a more sustainable manner.”
James Stone, Managing Director at Lands Improvement, said:
“This is a fantastic opportunity to work with LAT which, as a long-established local charity, is clearly invested and committed to Redbourn’s future, to create a sustainable community that is made up of much more than just new homes.
In line with our business strategy to acquire high quality strategic land under development agreement or unconditional freehold purchase, this site is an excellent addition to the Lands Improvement portfolio which focusses on high quality development in sustainable locations.
Our team is looking forward to meeting residents and businesses to build on the significant local engagement that has already taken place and ensure everyone in Redbourn has the opportunity to contribute ideas for this part of the village.”
