Unlock the true potential
of your land
Richborough Commercial supplies high quality development land to the Industrial & Logistics and commercial sectors, responding to high market demand. Starbucks, Aldi and Lidl are among the household names thriving on our sites.
​
We believe that land is a precious resource and that where developed, it should be used wisely. The parcels of land that we bring forward are carefully chosen to ensure long term success, with location, accessibility, population, market trends, environment, infrastructure and planning policy all key considerations.
If you are a landowner or land agent with a site eligible for commercial development, we can help you secure planning permission and sell your land, all at our risk and cost. While the process is complex and can last several years, the disposal of your land could bring life-changing financial returns.
As a strategic land promoter, we use a Planning Promotion Agreement to unlock your land’s potential. It’s a transparent and accountable partnership in which we’re 100% focussed on achieving the highest value for you, in the quickest possible timeframe.
With decades of experience and extensive local knowledge and contacts, our expert team will oversee the entire project lifecycle on your behalf, from acquisition through to planning and the ultimate sale. With support from our outstanding in-house team, we will navigate the complex planning system and ever-changing development and environment regulation to create a risk free, build-ready masterplan that will attract higher offers from leading developers and occupiers.
Landowner FAQs
Is my land suitable for promotion by Richborough Commercial?
. We believe land is a precious resource and that where developed, it should be used wisely. There are several factors we consider when deciding if your land is suitable for promotion: Planning prospects Is your land included within a current or emerging Local Plan allocation? Or does it have planning merit as an independently deliverable scheme for mixed-use or commercial development? Land type and quality We consider brownfield, greenfield and technically challenging sites. We also promote sites in the Green Belt and Grey Belt. Size We generally consider large, long terms strategic sites of 5 acres upwards. Location For residential development, land should be in a sustainable location on the edge of large villages, towns and cities. For commercial development, land should be close to large cities and towns and the motorway network.
What is a Planning Promotion Agreement (PPA)?
. We believe land is a precious resource and that where developed, it should be used wisely. There are several factors we consider when deciding if your land is suitable for promotion: Planning prospects Is your land included within a current or emerging Local Plan allocation? Or does it have planning merit as an independently deliverable scheme for mixed-use or commercial development? Land type and quality We consider brownfield, greenfield and technically challenging sites. We also promote sites in the Green Belt and Grey Belt. Size We generally consider large, long terms strategic sites of 5 acres upwards. Location For residential development, land should be in a sustainable location on the edge of large villages, towns and cities. For commercial development, land should be close to large cities and towns and the motorway network.
What types of commercial developments do you specialise in?
. We believe land is a precious resource and that where developed, it should be used wisely. There are several factors we consider when deciding if your land is suitable for promotion: Planning prospects Is your land included within a current or emerging Local Plan allocation? Or does it have planning merit as an independently deliverable scheme for mixed-use or commercial development? Land type and quality We consider brownfield, greenfield and technically challenging sites. We also promote sites in the Green Belt and Grey Belt. Size We generally consider large, long terms strategic sites of 5 acres upwards. Location For residential development, land should be in a sustainable location on the edge of large villages, towns and cities. For commercial development, land should be close to large cities and towns and the motorway network.
Does my land qualify as commercial or residential?
. We believe land is a precious resource and that where developed, it should be used wisely. There are several factors we consider when deciding if your land is suitable for promotion: Planning prospects Is your land included within a current or emerging Local Plan allocation? Or does it have planning merit as an independently deliverable scheme for mixed-use or commercial development? Land type and quality We consider brownfield, greenfield and technically challenging sites. We also promote sites in the Green Belt and Grey Belt. Size We generally consider large, long terms strategic sites of 5 acres upwards. Location For residential development, land should be in a sustainable location on the edge of large villages, towns and cities. For commercial development, land should be close to large cities and towns and the motorway network.
Why should I choose Richborough?
. Whilst we have a full development team, we do not want to develop your land like developers, meaning our interests are aligned. We use our extensive internal technical, planning and development expertise to obtain planning permissions and sales which local authorities can have confidence will be delivered and developers want to acquire.
How long does the land promotion process take?
. Securing planning permission for large, complex or Greenbelt sites can take many years, so our Planning Promotion Agreements generally last between five and 15 years. This is because your land will most likely need to be allocated in your local authority’s Local Plan. Local Plans set out where residential and commercial development is needed and are currently reviewed every five years. We have over 20 years’ experience in bringing forward allocated sites, securing new allocations, and looking at alternative options such as independently deliverable schemes.
What are the costs associated with land promotion?
. The cost of promoting your land through the planning system is funded entirely by Richborough, so you won’t spend a penny. We bear all the risk and the up-front capital costs involved in securing the highest value planning consent and marketing the land for sale.
When will I get paid?
. Upon exchanging the Planning Promotion Agreement at the start of the process, we pay landowners an upfront and non-refundable premium. Once planning permission and a buyer has been secured for your land, you will receive your sales proceeds, and Richborough will receive our pre-agreed fee for the promotion costs.
What if the planning application for my land is not granted approval by the local planning authority?
. We are expert at preparing responsible outline planning applications that are shaped by extensive public consultation; meet local housing and development need and the latest design and environmental standards. But sometimes planning applications are rejected by local planning committees. In this case, we may review and resubmit a planning application or lodge an appeal with the Planning Inspectorate. If we do not secure planning permission by our agreed date, we will end the Planning Promotion Agreement at absolutely no cost to you the landowner.
Why should I choose land promotion, over other types of agreements, to sell my land?
. Land promotion, or Planning Promotion Agreements, bring several benefits for the landowner compared to Hybrid, Option, and Development agreements. First and foremost, we only get paid upon the sale of your land and as a percentage share of what Richborough achieves in the open market, so we are entirely focused on achieving the best possible sale price for your land. In contrast, developers will acquire or seek an Option on the land for the lowest possible price, to maximise their profits and only buy and pay for the land when it suits their business plan to minimise their holding costs.