Elsenham, Hertfordshire – off market acquisition
The site consists of agricultural land and woodland adjoining the edge of Elsenham, close to Stansted Airport and with a direct train service into London. On behalf of The Crown Estate, Nick Harper approached the owner’s agent and agreed terms for it to acquire a 50% interest in the freehold but conditional on the Crown then promoting the land for development.
This was the first time that the Crown had acquired a less than 100% freehold interest and Nick obtained extensive legal advice and Board approval before the purchase was approved. Nick’s development team then led the promotion process.
The following year, after stakeholder engagement, outline planning consent on the first 17.5 acres (7.1 hectares) had been granted by Uttlesford District Council for 155 homes and an extra care facility for elderly residents. This has now been sold to a housebuilder.
