Land Development
Arbor are working in partnership with LivedIn on a new, ethical approach to releasing the value in land while helping to deliver high‑quality, sustainable homes for local self‑builders and community groups.
Britain is full of overlooked sites that could become beautiful places to live. When architects lead - and when communities of self-builders are involved - those sites unlock real value: better streets, stronger roots, and homes that feel like they belong.
We work with landowners who are open to exploring development potential but want to do so in a way that is fair, transparent, and beneficial to the local area. Our no-win, no-fee approach to Planning in Principle (PiP) could be the perfect solution for you and your site. See how it works below.
Our Process Is Simple:
1. You put forward a site
You don’t need to have a “perfect” or traditionally straightforward plot. In fact, less obvious or more challenging sites can often be viable under the current planning landscape.
2. We collaborate with Lived In to complete a free initial assessment
Together, we assess the site’s potential for a Permission in Principle (PiP) application. There is no cost to you for this stage.
3. Development is not dependent on planning policy compliance
Local councils are currently struggling to meet their housing land supply - particularly for self‑build and custom‑build homes. This urgent need often outweighs many perceived planning harms that might previously have prevented development.
4. If the site has potential, we agree a ‘win fee’
You only pay if the PiP application is successful. If it is, the fee is a fair, transparent amount calculated per unit - easily offset by the uplift in land value.
5. You benefit from higher land values and better-quality homes
By selling plots directly to self‑builders, you’re able to maximise value compared to selling to a developer. You also help ensure that the homes delivered on your land meet far higher standards of design, sustainability and long‑term community value.
From our office in Herefordshire, we serve the whole of the West Midlands, across the border into South Wales, Gloucestershire and the Cotswolds, as well as AONBs in the Brecon Beacons.
We’re passionate about raising the quality of housing in the county and are looking to partner with landowners who want to unlock value ethically and constructively.
If you’d like to learn more or have a site you’re curious about, please get in touch.
FAQs
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Traditional developers squeeze margins at every stage. Self-builders cut out the middleman, creating value that benefits everyone.
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Planning in Principle is increasingly recognised by local planning authorities as a legitimate route to test whether development on a site is acceptable in principle before any detailed design is undertaken.
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Just basic details about your land: location, approximate size, current use, access arrangements, and your development goals. No technical knowledge required, if you own or are considering buying the land, you'll know enough to complete the assessment.
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Sites should generally fit within these guide rails:
Less than 1 hectare (they can be part of a larger holding)
Ideally on the edge of a settlement or a well-located infill plot
Brownfield is great; greenfield is fine if it feels connected
Close to services — not remote or isolated