Land

Elphinstone established its first Joint Venture with the Bank of Scotland in December 2002 to acquire strategic land development opportunities with planning potential. In April 2007 Elphinstone Estates Ltd was formed as a new Joint Venture with Halifax Bank of Scotland (HBoS). The main focus of the joint venture remains investment in Brownfield and Greenfield land with residential, commercial or mixed use development potential.

Elphinstone's professional development team of project and construction managers, town planners and surveyors is complemented by external consultants to oversee every aspect of land purchase, site promotion, and delivery. As a company we can be flexible about how we deal with opportunities. Land is often purchased outright without the benefit of planning permission; however, the company also works in partnership with landowners over a longer period of time to secure planning permission prior to acquisition. This can take the form of an option agreement or through a joint venture or promotion arrangement, whereby Elphinstone work with the landowner to unlock potential value.

The company aims to enhance land use zoning through the planning system and obtain planning permission to increase site value and allow development. Although the process is often complex and protracted the company has the skills and resources to overcome the many challenges posed by the planning system and can deal efficiently with all aspects of project management.

Elphinstone Estates maintains close working relationships with local and national government bodies, key statutory agencies and is committed to the principle of wider community engagement. This approach is essential to our ability to unlock the development potential and value in land for the benefit of landowners, funders, partners and shareholders.

Over the last 10 years, the company has managed 3,000 acres of land on over 100 sites at locations throughout Scotland. Elphinstone Estates currently controls a portfolio in excess of 1,200 acres of land with an estimated sale value of £400 million.