Do you have a building plot, want to sell a section of your garden or purchased a parcel of land or garages as an investment and think it has development potential?

Want to know what is it worth and how best to sell it?

Hollis Morgan are asked to value land and potential sites on a daily basis and generally the value of the land is directly proportional to how much money a developer can generate or its GDV (Gross Development Value).

The GDV generally defines the value and unless you have planning consents for a specific scheme it can often be difficult to judge by both us and your potential buyers – this is the Risk element.

To solve this Hollis Morgan have created a partnership with planning professionals Stokes Morgan Planning Consultants to offer a complete service to reduce the risks to your buyers and maximise the sale value of your land.

Stokes Morgan are known for providing a high quality, cost effective planning service whilst Hollis Morgan are the most successful auctioneers in Bristol & North Somerset – a perfect Morgan marriage!!

Stokes Morgan

Professional Planning Appraisal Reducing Risk + Adding Value

This report helps reduce the planning risk and increase the value of your land without the time and costs of seeking outline planning permission.

We will provide a professional appraisal of the development potential of the site by qualified Chartered Planners which include sketch layout / site plans which buyers will be able to use to give them a better indication on the potential of the site. We find that especially on smaller sites that a professional opinion illustrating a proposed scheme encourages buyers and a higher price is usually achieved.

The PPA is paid for by your buyer upon completion on a no sale no fee basis ( A charge of £700 + VAT is added to the contract ) – they then have a £700 + VAT credit to spend on planning with Stokes Morgan – everyone wins.



Order A Planning Appraisal

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Outline Planning

When valuing development sites if the scheme has outline planning as a rule of thumb we initially the value of the site at between 25% and 35% of the GDV (Combined value of the completed Properties).

For example If planning is granted for 4 houses that are going to be worth £250,000 each when built then the site has a GDV of £1m and a value “on paper” of between £250,000 and £350,000. This allows us to set a guide price on the basis that we know developers will be competing to buy the site within these established industry margins – by achieving planning you have reduced their risk and quantified the GDV.

By then selling the site by auction the competitive nature of bidding will allow for the best possible price to be achieved – we often see single plot sites achieving close to 50% GDV – prices that we feel are only possible when selling under auction conditions.

Please find below our guide to the stages and timescales involved with gaining an outline planning scheme.

What is an outline planning application?

An outline planning application establishes the principle of development and is generally a cheaper option than a detailed (full) planning application.

It requires a formal application and relevant fee (based on site area) but the information to be submitted depends on the ‘matters’ that are to be considered and ‘fixed’ for determination. These comprise access, layout, scale, appearance and landscape. Often ‘access’ is fixed, and the others reserved for future consideration as part of a Reserved Matters application (which is effectively the detailed application). Any matters that are fixed at the outline stage cannot be amended at the Reserved Matters stage – only the matters that are ‘reserved’ would need to be considered.

How long does the application process take?

The statutory determination timescale is 8 weeks for a ‘minor’ application (i.e. up to 10 dwellings) but regrettably the process often takes longer due to Council workload/resourcing issues. We can give an indication on likely timescales on a case by case basis, depending on the Council and proposal.

Stage 1: Scheme Review/Feasibility and Fee Quote

If a planning appraisal has not been provided, we will identify the site’s development potential and advise on a suitable scheme in terms of the amount of development and the site’s layout.

We will agree a fee with you for the work associated with the outline application.

A sketch layout/block plan showing the vehicular access to the site and the number and location of buildings will be prepared. This will either be fixed if layout and access is to be formally considered as part of the application or illustrative if layout and access is to be reserved for future consideration. This will also indicate where soft landscaping (i.e. gardens and other green spaces) would be located.

We will identify any survey/information requirements for the application (such as ecological surveys, coal mining risk assessment, transport input, etc) and obtain quotes on your behalf, and you will then be responsible for paying the consultants’ fees. We will project manage any external consultants appointed and review/comment on the reports.

Stage 2: Preparation and Submission of the Outline Application

When all the items required for the application are complete, including our Planning Statement, we will prepare and submit the planning application on your behalf.

You will be liable for payment of the application fee direct to the Council.

Stage 3: Application Management

We will manage the application process up until determination. We will regularly check the Council’s website for any consultation responses; action them as appropriate; and keep you informed of progress.

If an application needs to be referred to the Committee for a decision, instead of being delegated to officers, we will attend committee on your behalf.

Stage 4: Determination

We will normally agree any necessary conditions before the application is determined to minimise the number of conditions and ensure requirements are not disproportionately onerous.

Any work associated with the discharge of conditions (such as any pre-commencement requirements) is not included as part of the work on the outline application, and will be need to be agreed and charged as an additional fee.

Stage 5: Sell by Public Auction

We can then offer the land for sale by public auction – be part of Bristol and the West Country’s biggest land and property event!

Alternatively if you intend to build out the development why not use our New Homes team?

As part of the Hollis Morgan “Property Cycle” we will refund your buyers premium if you purchase the site through us and then instruct our new homes team!