Case Studies

Some of our
recent projects

Take a closer look at how we’ve helped our clients’ achieve outstanding results through innovative strategies and tailored solutions across a wide range of projects.

Services
Land Agency

Drakelow,
Burton-upon-Trent

Land Disposal
271 Homes
19 net acres

On behalf of Vistry Group, Highgate was appointed to sell two serviced development land parcels within Vistry’s redevelopment of the former Drakelow Power Station in Burton-upon-Trent.

  • After launching a comprehensive marketing campaign and receiving initial offers from developers, Highgate worked with Vistry to refine the disposal strategy based on specific market demand. Together, they identified an optimal single development parcel, accommodating 271 homes, which maximized both development efficiency and site value.

    Highgate successfully negotiated terms with Taylor Wimpey PLC, achieving a record-setting sale price exceeding £25.5 million. The land transaction was completed within just three months.


  • "I've been working with Highgate for a number of years. Through multiple transactions, both buying and selling land, the team has consistently delivered excellent results. Highgate’s market knowledge and guidance have enabled us to maximize the value of our land sales on a number of projects. The teams' proactive approach, attention to detail, and understanding of our goals have made them a trusted partner.”

    Martyn Johnson
    Land Director, Vistry Group

Services
Affordable Housing
Strategic Land

Aviation Lane,
Burton-upon-Trent

Joint Venture
120 Affordable Homes
9.8 acre Strategic Site

In collaboration with Inside Land Group and Partner Construction, Highgate identified an opportunity to promote this site for development and secure an early planning permission for 100% affordable housing development.

  • Highgate negotiated terms for an option agreement with the landowners agent and a planning application was submitted for an affordable housing development that would address the significant shortfall in affordable housing supply in East Staffordshire. The application was refused by the Local Authority, however the decision was overturned at planning appeal. The development is now complete, with the turnkey delivery of 120 much needed affordable homes for Midland Heart Housing Association.

  • “Highgate have been instrumental in both the identification and delivery of this project. A 100% affordable housing development on this site is a fantastic result for the local community; helping to address the significant shortfall in affordable homes in East Staffordshire. I cannot praise Highgate’s efforts highly enough.”

    Jonathan O’Neill
    Director, Inside Land Group

Services
Land Agency
Affordable Housing

Royal Works,
Sutton Coldfield

Land Acquisition
137 Specialist Affordable Retirement & Care Units
£35.9m Development Value

After initial discussions with the landowner, who had faced multiple unsuccessful transactions with other developers, Highgate identified an off-market opportunity for Deeley Group to step in.

  • This 3.4 acre site already had a resolution to grant planning permission for a specialist care and retirement development, supported by a Homes England grant; however, the previous developer was unable to move the project forward.

    Highgate identified Deeley Group as the ideal partner to unlock the site. Terms were successfully negotiated with the landowner and a transaction was completed, based on the existing planning permission and grant funding position, in a very short timeframe.

  • "The Highgate team has recently assisted Deeley Group in securing one of our largest projects to date. After the site was subject to a number of abortive transactions, Highgate spotted an opportunity for Deeley Group's involvement and supported us in securing an off-market purchase in a very quick timeframe. The Highgate team is proactive, professional, and truly committed to working with their clients on a collaborative basis. We’re delighted with the outcome of this transaction and I look forward to working with the Highgate team on future projects."

    Eleanor Deeley
    Joint Managing Director, Deeley Group

Services
Strategic Land
Affordable Housing

Saredon Road,
Cheslyn Hay

Land Disposal
60 Affordable Homes
6.9 acre Strategic Site

On behalf of a private landowner, Highgate was appointed to identify a purchaser for this strategic site, which had the benefit of an emerging residential planning allocation.

  • After engaging with multiple parties, Highgate secured an investor who met the landowner's requirements for an immediate sale, with an additional fixed payment upon planning permission. Based on Highgate's strategic advice, the investor submitted a planning application focused on an affordable housing-led scheme, successfully obtaining planning permission ahead of formal development allocation.

    The site has now been developed for a grant-supported affordable housing scheme for Homes Plus.

  • “Richard has been invaluable in helping me find the best route forward for my land. His strategic advice and extensive market knowledge have been exceptional, and he found a disposal route that perfectly matched my needs. I’m extremely satisfied with the service I received.”

    Mr Brown
    Landowner

Services
Development Consultancy
Affordable Housing

North West Bicester Eco-town,
Bicester

Development Consultancy and Expert Witness
Up to 530 Homes
59.95 acres

Highgate was appointed by Cherwell District Council (CDC) to undertake a review of the Applicant’s Financial Viability Assessment (FVA) of outline planning application proposals for this site, which forms part of the North West Bicester Eco-town.

  • Highgate’s role involved reviewing the FVA prepared by the Applicant, and working closely with CDC’s appointed Quantity Surveyors (QS) to undertaking negotiations on CDC’s behalf regarding key aspects of the viability appraisal such as sustainability requirements, affordable level, housing mix and tenure, and Section 106 contributions.

    Highgate also acted as an Expert Witness on development viability matters at the planning inquiry.

Services
Land Agency

Former MG Works,
Longbridge

Brownfield Regeneration Site
Over 900 homes and employment uses
73 acres

Highgate played a key role in the successful unconditional disposal of this 73-acre brownfield site to Countryside Partnerships within just over six months.

  • The site consisted of two phases of development land: Phase 2, with outline planning permission for 695 homes and employment uses, and Phase 3, designated for future development (subject to planning) with an existing income stream from a tenant.

    Working closely with the client, St Modwen, Highgate facilitated the disposal to a bidder capable of delivering a high-quality development that aligns with the regeneration aspirations of the Longbridge community. Countryside Partnerships has now secured reserved matters planning permission for Phase 2, with work scheduled to start on site in 2025.

  • “Highgate have been a crucial member of the St Modwen team in selecting the right developer to deliver this project. The former MG Works is arguably the most significant brownfield residential led development site in the wider Birmingham conurbation, and Highgate shared our enthusiasm and passion for a site of such importance to both St Modwen and the community. Highgate handled the sale with the utmost care and professionalism, and ensured that our expectations were not just met, but exceeded too.”

    Robert Flavell
    Senior Director, St Modwen

Services
Land Agency

Watery Lane,
Lichfield

Land Disposal
750 homes, care, retail, and community uses
101 acres

This 101-acre greenfield site benefited from outline planning permission for up to 750 dwellings, care, a primary school, and community facilities.

  • Highgate played a keyrole as joint selling agent, representing IM Land and two private landowners.Working collaboratively with its joint agent, Highgate created a competitive bidding process, targeting the sale of the entire land asset on an unconditional basis.

    Commercial terms were successfully negotiated with Barratt Redrow, aligning with client requirements while safeguarding the future of the existing retail business on-site.With reserved matters planning permission now secured, Barratt Redrow have commenced development.

  • “Highgate played a vital role as an integral member of our team throughout the pre-market and disposal process. The team efficiently managed a focused marketing strategy that attracted a range of competitive bids from well-funded buyers. Despite encountering various challenges during the disposal process, Highgate provided unwavering support at every stage, ensuring the disposal was completed in line with our objectives. We were extremely pleased with both the level of service provided and the outcome achieved."

    Jonathan Dyke
    Director, IM Land

Services
Development Consultancy
Affordable Housing

Glasswater Locks,
Birmingham

Financial Viability Assessment
762 Apartments
2.6 acre City Centre Regeneration Site

Highgate was instructed by St Joseph Homes (part of the Berkeley Group) to undertake a Financial Viability Assessment of proposals for the circa 2.6 acre site in Eastside, Birmingham, to inform the full planning application proposals to provide 753 residential apartments, along with flexible commercial uses and a gym.

  • Highgate prepared the development viability appraisal analysis to support the full planning application in 2018, and assisted St Joseph in negotiating 5% affordable housing provision across the site. More recently in 2023, Highgate provided an updated financial viability appraisal report.

  • “Highgate have provided robust and pragmatic viability advice which has ensured that the scheme can deliver a wide range of benefits in this exciting area of Birmingham enabling the much needed regeneration of this part of the City”.

    Polly Matthews
    Land and Planning Manager,
    St Joseph Homes (part of Berkeley Group)

Services
Land Agency
Strategic Land

Pulley Lane,
Shrewsbury

Strategic Land Agency
Greenfield
38.9 acres

Highgate identified an opportunity to promote this site for residential development. Acting as intermediary, Highgate introduced Bloor Homes as a credible strategic partner to the landowner.

  • Highgate successfully negotiated terms for an option agreement with the Landowner’s agent, Strattly. A planning application is due to be submitted in 2025 for much needed homes in the area.

  • “Tom’s professionalism and expertise ensured the option agreement was exchanged in a timely and efficient manner. Highgate were a breath of fresh air, guiding the deal through with clear communication and providing reassurance to all parties involved. It was a pleasure to have a reliable and proactive agent on the other side, and I look forward to working with them again in the future”.

    Georgia Guest
    Landowners’ Agent, Strattly

    “In all my dealings with Highgate, I have found them to be extremely diligent and driven to get results quickly particularly on this occasion whereby we signed up an agreement within a very short timeframe. The support throughout the process was exemplar, which allowed us to broker a structure which was tailored to meet both the landowners and our requirements. Very much looking forward to working with you once again”.

    Sofi Liperis
    Land Director, Bloor Homes

Services
Development Consultancy
Affordable Housing

Former West Works,
Longbridge

Financial Viability Assessment
350 Homes
75 acres

Highgate was instructed by St Modwen to undertake a Financial Viability Assessment (FVA) of proposals for the circa 75 acre former West Works of the Rover Car Plant, situated to the west of Longbridge Town Centre.

  • The FVA supported an outline planning application for the residential element of the scheme, comprising up to 350 dwellings, and also considered the significant area of the adjacent employment land, along with the infrastructure works.The site has been awarded funding from West Midlands Combined Authority. Our advice led to a reduced level of affordable housing provision on site in line with the funding agreement, as well as providing the developer with sufficient evidence to negotiate a reduced level of planning contributions on the site.

  • “Highgate’s robust development viability advice enabled us to negotiate a planning application for the scheme which delivers a wide range of economic, environmental and social benefits whilst also ensuring that the proposals are both viable and deliverable”.

    Sam Rogers
    Senior Planning Manager, St Modwen Homes

Services
Land Agency
Strategic Land

Martley Road,
Worcester

Unconditional Sale and Option Agreement
Residential Dwelling with Greenfield Strategic Land
17 acres

Highgate worked closely withprivate landowners in the disposal of a large residential dwelling accompanied by strategically located greenfield land. Taking the time to understand the landowners’ specific motivations and objectives, Highgate worked ‘off-market’ to identify a suitable purchaser capable of meeting their requirements.

  • Highgate facilitated negotiations to secure optimal terms, resulting in the unconditional sale of the dwelling and a separate option agreement for the remaining land. By preparing detailed Heads of Terms and providing ongoing support throughout the legal process, Highgate ensured the transaction was completed swiftly and seamlessly.

    The land is now set to be promoted for much-needed housing in the coming years.

  • “Highgate met with us to understand our motivations to sell. They carefully considered our requirements and brought forward a purchaser that was able to meet our goals. Highgate prepared Heads of Terms and remained fully involved during the legal process ensuring that the deal concluded in a timely manner. I very much hope to work with Highgate again in the future.”

    Andrew Lloyd
    Landowners’ Representative