Lambert Smith Hampton was instructed to provide advice on the acquisition of the development site for a new 35,000 sq ft facility.

The client’s challenge To find a new site for their expanding cable infrastructure business.

The LSH solution

A four acre site, closely located to the A130 and A12, was under offer to a local car dealer. With an excellent existing relationship with the vendors, we were able to demonstrate to them that our client was the more credible purchaser for the site.

We then worked to establish to the client that the site in question was the best option for their future expansion by demonstrating to them, through our local knowledge, that there was an acute lack of land supply. We were also able to confirm the planning position by holding a meeting with Braintree District Council.

Colleagues from the building consultancy division advised on the appointment of the architect to draw up potential schemes to an expedited timetable. We completed on an unconditional purchase within four months of being appointed despite the land already being under offer.

Results achieved

With our local knowledge and wide network of contacts we were able to establish a clear line of communication to the vendor’s agent and developer and by giving prompt, relevant and accurate advice we were able to conclude everything quickly. As part of our appointment, we were required to write a detailed report that went to the PLC board in support of our final instruction. The client is now working with us to submit a planning application to the local authority for their new 35,000 sq ft headquarters facility. The client’s business is heavily reliant on highly trained staff that live in the local area. This made this acquisition of a site within two miles of their existing facility imperative for both business continuity and planned growth.