The site represents a logical northern extension to the sustainable town of Fairford. In collaboration with key stakeholders, the land was first allocated through the Neighbourhood Plan, laying a strong foundation ahead of the planning application submission.
Our approach at Fairford demonstrates a clear commitment to community led development and sustainable placemaking. Key green infrastructure assets were retained and enhanced, resulting in a significant biodiversity net gain. This achievement was recognised with a prestigious Design Award from Building with Nature.
The landowner’s aspirations for a legacy-led scheme were embedded within both the planning application and the sales contract. This ensured the delivery of community initiatives, green infrastructure, and the establishment of a dedicated fund to benefit both current and future residents of Fairford. The scheme’s design was guided by a bespoke design code, shaped in part by the landowners themselves.
The successful delivery of this first phase has not only created a high-quality, attractive environment but also established a strong political and community platform for future developments within the landowner’s wider landholding.

An outline planning application was submitted for up to 50 homes, alongside provision for community use and public open space. Key considerations included landscape, heritage, and the impact on local character. The first application was approved at committee in April 2020, with members supporting the officer’s recommendation. Despite the site being outside the settlement boundary, the proposal’s merits, particularly the delivery of much-needed housing, were deemed to outweigh any potential harm.

This approval paved the way for a second phase of 56 homes, brought forward in partnership with the landowner. Planning permission for this phase was successfully secured via appeal in November 2022 with a subsequent sale to Wain Homes. A planning application for a third phases was submitted in 2025.                                                                                             

Planning approval was achieved for the redevelopment of a former agricultural site, proposing the demolition of the existing farmhouse and associated buildings to deliver up to 50 residential dwellings. The scheme included affordable housing, green infrastructure, public open space, a children’s play area, landscape planting, and sustainable drainage systems, including package treatment works. 

The site had capacity for up to 50 homes, with 40% designated as affordable housing — helping to address the housing shortfall in the former Mendip District Council area of Somerset. Conveniently located within walking and cycling distance of local amenities, the development also incorporated features designed to enhance local biodiversity and support wildlife, contributing to a well-connected and environmentally sensitive scheme.

The Council initially refused our planning application with ten grounds for refusal. We worked closely with our project team to overcome six of the reasons for refusal ahead of the planning inquiry taking place.
This left four reasons at the point the inquiry opened. When the application went to Appeal the Inspector found that one of the reasons for refusals, that related to foul water, was unreasonable.  Furthermore, the Inspector found there was no harm to local heritage and that the site would continue the natural progression of development in the town.
The application was approved at Appeal thanks to the hard work of the team. Planning permission was granted at appeal in January 2022 and the site was sold to Barratt (BDW) six months later.

The site was initially included in Mole Valley’s Local Plan as a Green Belt release but was removed after a consultation on the NPPF in December 2022, causing progress to stall. Gleeson Land had prepared baseline information to support the site’s promotion and quickly submitted an outline planning application when the Green Belt sites were removed.
The application, registered in February 2023, was refused in June 2023, but an Appeal was allowed in November 2023. Due to proactive monitoring and upfront work, Gleeson Land secured planning permission in less than 12 months.

All technical issues were addressed working proactively with the Council, as the application was prepared, and subsequently submitted in June 2024. The site was identified as a draft housing allocation in the Council’s Local Plan Regulation 18 in December 2024, noting that the site would be considered Grey Belt as a result of the changes to the December 2024 NPPF. The application was taken to committee at the start of January 2025 and received Resolution to Grant Planning Permission. In doing so, we secured the country’s first Grey Belt decision, at a local level, within seven months of submitting our planning application.

We decided to pursue and appeal after the emerging Local Plan that allocated the site was withdrawn by members. We entered into a Planning Performance Agreement and worked very closely with the Council to develop a well designed scheme. All technical issues were resolved during the course of the subsequent application, leaving the principle of development within the Green Belt as the outstanding issue. Prior to the local plan being withdrawn, the Council were intending to grant planning permission at the earliest opportunity. We considered that we had built a very strong case and along with the Council’s substantial housing supply shortfall, took the decision to appeal via the Public Inquiry route. The Inspector granted planning permission in December 2022. In doing so, accepted our case in every aspect, concluding that Very Special Circumstances outweighed the harm to Green Belt, stating that there was no justified basis to resist the Appeal proposal.

Our technical team developed a site-specific drainage solution by harnessing the natural topography to accelerate water runoff away from residential areas. The development layout was strategically designed to create a direct flow path, ensuring efficient drainage and minimizing flood risk. A dedicated drainage pond was also incorporated to provide additional resilience and protection.

Although the initial planning application was refused by the Council, several of the initial objections were later withdrawn following additional engagement with the local authority. Planning permission was subsequently granted in February 2022.

The Southern Parcel land at Lower Broadbridge Farm was identified and allocated for residential use in the emerging Local Plan in 2019/20. However, there were various pauses in the Local Plan-making process connected to general uncertainties concerning National Planning Policy at the time, and implications arising from a Position Statement issued by Natural England regarding water neutrality. Horsham Council did not support the planning application after it was submitted in June 2022 and went on to be refused locally in February 2023.  
The refusal was on five grounds; insufficient information concerning water neutrality; insufficient information concerning amenity of future occupants of the development by noise disturbance from nearby roads; impact on rural setting of listed buildings in the vicinity of the area; including the host farmhouse Lower Broadbridge Farm; impact on landscape character including urbanising influence, and, the failure to enter into a S106 to secure appropriate provision of affordable housing.  
Our Appeal was lodged in June 2023, with evidence presented by our project team which successfully rebutted the arguments concerning heritage, landscape and noise, in addition to the S106 agreement securing the affordable housing. In relation to water neutrality, written legal submissions were prepared by Counsel which rebutted the need to demonstrate water neutrality at this stage, allowing the issue to be dealt with by means of a Grampian Condition.  

During the process, we undertook an early traffic count on the highway network which helped in the rapid submission. Our in-house R&A team were able to evidence the specific need for new homes in Chipping Norton, this helped establish a local housing need which was supported by the local planning authority in their determination of the planning application. Gleeson Land differed to competitors with detailed due diligence, understanding the site’s potential and unlocking its value. 
Once Heads of Terms were agreed, there was a window of opportunity for Gleeson Land to exploit a five-year housing land supply shortfall, this meant that we needed to submit a planning application in the shortest possible time. Through proactive and rigorous project management by our in-house teams, we secured full planning consent in under two years. The outcome is a high-quality scheme that delivers real community benefits for the local area.

Gleeson Land secured planning permission for 800 homes on a strategically important site in Malvern, overcoming multiple land ownerships and site complexities. Working in partnership with Welbeck Land, Gleeson Land entered into a series of land agreements that enabled a unified planning approach and a compelling vision for future growth.
Following extensive promotion through the South Worcestershire Development Plan, the site was draft allocated for 800 homes, alongside employment space, infrastructure, and community facilities. Anticipating formal allocation, Gleeson Land proactively submitted a planning application to support the site’s inclusion in the emerging Local Plan.
During the planning process, several challenges emerged—most notably around scheme viability. After prolonged negotiations, agreement was reached with the local authority in February 2024, securing 20% affordable housing and successfully removing the proposed review mechanism. This outcome was a key achievement, as such mechanisms often deter interest from potential purchasers.

An outline planning application was submitted for up to 75 homes and associated infrastructure. At the time, land immediately north of the site was allocated within the Local Plan, leaving this site outside the newly defined settlement boundary. Through the application process, Gleeson Land demonstrated that the proposal was both appropriate and sensitive to the rural fringe character of the area, making a strong case for its suitability for residential development.

Planning permission was granted at appeal in May 2022. Following this success, the site attracted interest from several national housebuilders.

Gleeson Land achieved a planning approval via committee, for up to 140 homes on land adjacent to the built-up area of Templecombe. The proposal includes new vehicular access, public open space, landscaping, surface water attenuation, and supporting infrastructure. Well-connected to local amenities via Bowden Road and Coombe Hill, the site offers strong pedestrian and cycle links. The development represents a sustainable and integrated extension to the village, responding sensitively to local character and planning constraints. It will deliver a mix of market and affordable housing to meet identified local demand, including options for starter homes and families. The design process was shaped through consultation with the Local Planning Authority, Parish Council, and the community.

The site was the second phase of development at Malmesbury. Following the earlier success an outline application was submitted in 2016 for up to 71 dwellings, to help Wiltshire Council address a shortfall in their housing land supply. The application was refused and appealed, however the Council’s housing land supply recovered before the appeal could be heard and as such it was withdrawn. The Council’s housing land supply was monitored and an opportunity to re-submit the application was identified in 2019 when the supply fell again.The application was approved by the Planning Committee in September 2020 and then sold to Bloor Homes in December 2020.

The planning approval at Froxmere Road, Crowle presents a highly sustainable new development comprising up to 65 dwellings, along with new areas of open space designed to benefit both existing and future residents. The proposal is considered a sustainable and deliverable solution that contributes meaningfully to meeting the identified housing requirements for the area. High-quality development will be achieved through the creation of a walkable residential community with a strong sense of place, supported by attractive pedestrian and cycle routes that encourage active travel. The development will be well-connected, legible, and easily navigable, ensuring inclusive access for all. A robust landscape structure will be established, responding sensitively to the character of the local area while enhancing the immediate environment. The layout and design will promote the core objectives of sustainable development, ensuring longterm benefits for the community and the wider area.

Blackmore Farm, Melksham, received unanimous approval at planning committee, with the Section 106 agreement finalised in record time. Promoted primarily for residential use, the land was successfully included as part of a proposed wider allocation in the emerging Wiltshire Local Plan.
The development will deliver up to 500 homes, with 40% designated as affordable housing. It also includes land for a two-form entry primary school, supported by a £2.8 million financial contribution. The scheme incorporates up to 5,000 square metres of employment space, a mixed use hub, and extensive formal and informal open space. Significant investment in sustainable transport will enhance walking and cycling routes locally and towards the town centre. Contributions include £750,000 towards bus service improvements and £8,500 for accessibility upgrades at Melksham railway station. A further £513,000 will support NHS healthcare provision, ensuring lasting benefits for the community. Following the planning committee success, the land was marketed and sold to Barratt / Redrow through a competitive tender process.

An outline planning application was submitted for 500 residential dwellings along with land for a two-form entry primary school and community building. Land for a bridleway link was also included between Hassocks and Burgess Hill. 
Improvements to the pedestrian access across the railway line were required which meant discussions with network rail took place early on in the planning application process. The masterplan also considered the location for the primary school and local centre taking into account the surrounding land uses. It was approved on 16th March 2020.

Travel behaviour in Hedge End was typically centred around car use. The area had higher car use percentage than the UK average. As part of our planning application, provision was made for bus and cycle only pathways as well as strategic footpaths to promote sustainable transport and ease pressure on local roads. The planning application was granted at Appeal for a new sustainable neighbourhood, comprising of 680 residential units and a two-form entry primary school. The application included space for small scale retail or a community and healthcare area, it also provided open space and sports provision for the wider community. The site was then sold to two national housebuilders.

The promotion of the site started with securing an allocation in the adopted Local Plan. A key part of securing the allocation was understanding the future needs of the primary school and how these could be incorporated into the masterplan. 
Planning permission was granted in April 2021, after some amendments to the technical drawings. The site was then sold to David Wilson Homes in August 2021, a great outcome for our landowner.

Planning approval was secured from Somerset Council for a high-quality scheme of 67 homes in the Western region. Our expert team successfully addressed the site’s complexities, including delivering a solution to the local phosphate neutrality challenge.

The site will meet policy compiant affordable housing requirements and contribute to local infrastructure through the Community Infrastructure Levy and significant S106 investment.

The scheme also includes biodiverse habitat areas, generous open spaces, and a children’s play area — enhancing its long-term value and positive impact on the community.

Gleeson Land successfully promoted the site through the Great Somerford Neighbourhood Plan, securing its allocation for residential development. A planning application was subsequently submitted for the demolition of existing vacant buildings and the redevelopment of the site to deliver 20 new homes and associated infrastructure.

Despite the site’s constrained access — limited to a single achievable entry point — our technical and planning teams developed a viable solution that enabled its inclusion in the Neighbourhood Plan. The proposed scheme establishes a distinct identity while remaining sensitive to the local character, offering a mix of housing types tailored to defined community needs.

Planning permission was granted in 2020, marking the regeneration of a brownfield site and the delivery of high-quality new homes for Great Somerford.  The above triumph paved the way for a second successful application which was subsequently sold to Cotswold Homes in 2024.