GSC GraysGSC Grays

Contact our offices

The Call for Sites: A timely opportunity to unlock land value

The recent UK planning reforms have generated widespread excitement in anticipation of a ‘building boom’ across the country.

While much of the conversation has centred on national policy, for landowners, the key question is what these reforms mean at local level, and how they might unlock opportunities to secure a significant uplift in land value.

With changes to the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) and the reforms introduced in the Planning and Infrastructure Bill, local authorities are now under significant pressure to deliver development and secure growth. Through the NPPF the government re-introduced mandatory housing targets compelling every local authority to contribute to the government’s goal of delivering 1.5 million new homes over the next five years. To facilitate this, the Bill proposes changes that will make planning decisions faster and more efficient.

While the planning system can be complex and time-consuming, the potential rewards for landowners can be substantial. As such, early engagement with the planning process is vital for landowners hoping to realise the development potential of their land.

The ‘Call for Sites’ opportunity

The Call for Sites is the first stage in the Local Plan making process. It is an evidence-gathering exercise that allows landowners to submit parcels of land they believe have potential for future development to the council for consideration. These sites may then be formally allocated within the Local Plan—a document that sets out a vision and framework for the future development of an area, and guides development decisions in each local authority, typically for a period of 20 years.

Importantly, land that is allocated in a Local Plan is far more likely to be developed and in turn, can see a substantial increase in value. Political pressure to meet housing delivery targets means that development decisions could even be fast-tracked before new local plans are fully adopted.

A Strategic Approach to Submissions

While the requirements for submissions to a Call for Sites can vary from one local authority to another, our experience has shown that a well-prepared, proportionate submission stands the best chance of success. The aim is to clearly demonstrate a site’s suitability for development by considering factors such as proposed use, site constraints and deliverability.

Recently, our Planning and Development team has been actively involved in the Call for Sites process across North Yorkshire, Darlington, and Westmorland and Furness Councils, submitting over 900 acres of land with a potential development value exceeding £300 million. The potential uplifts in value demonstrate the importance of expert guidance in navigating the local plan making process.

What Landowners Should Do Next

If you own land that may have development potential, the first step is to understand where your local authority is in the Local Plan cycle. Each council will have its own timeframe and engagement process, so timing is critical.

Local Plans are typically reviewed every five years, and with many councils in the region beginning or actively engaged in this process, the timing could not be more favourable.

For landowners whose Local Plan is not currently under review, there may still be options. The re-introduction of higher housing targets nationally has created a more favourable climate for early planning applications, even outside of formal review periods.

You should also consider any constraints—such as access, visual impact, title and trespass that can be addressed in advance. Early-stage assessments can help to determine whether a site is worth pursuing and identify steps which can be taken alongside a Call for Sites submission.

The time to act is now

The combination of planning reform and political support presents a unique opportunity for landowners to be part of a process that defines development for years to come. By engaging early, landowners have the chance not only to influence the strategic direction of growth in their local area, but also to ensure their land is positioned at the forefront of development discussions.

Now is the time to act. With many Local Plans heading towards review and government pressure to deliver housing intensifying, we would be delighted to assess your land’s potential and guide you through the next steps whether you are actively considering development or simply wish to understand the options available.

 

Author: Anna Pounder

Latest News