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- Wirral, Merseyside
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Nearly 40 Years of Property and Development Experience
I’m not a land agent trying to list your site or charge you a fee. I’m a developer and deal sourcer who has personally acquired planning permissions, managed developments from raw land to completed build, and structured option agreements with landowners across Merseyside.
I’ve been through the planning process from both sides — as an NHBC-accredited builder who was vetted for financial and technical competence, and as someone who has taken on planning risk directly. I know what it costs, how long it takes, and when a site is worth pursuing.
When I look at your land, I’m not guessing. I’m drawing on decades of direct experience.
You might own land you’ve never quite known what to do with. A paddock. A large rear garden. An old yard or commercial site. Land that’s had a planning application refused. Land that’s been in the family for years with no clear route forward. You don’t need to sell outright, fund a planning application, or sign up with an agent and wait.
John takes on all planning costs and risk. If planning is refused and can't be overcome, the option lapses and you keep your land — free and clear. You haven't spent a penny.
When planning comes through and the site sells, you receive an agreed price reflecting the development value. You've gained significant value you may never have accessed otherwise.
John takes on all planning costs and risk. If planning is refused and can't be overcome, the option lapses and you keep your land — free and clear. You You own the land throughout. Nothing changes until planning is secured and I choose to exercise the option. You can continue to use the land as normal.spent a penny.
Intro paragraph: If you’re a property investor, developer or portfolio builder looking for off-market land and development opportunities across Merseyside, Liverpool and Cheshire — I source deals that never reach the open market.
BTL conversions, HMO schemes, small residential sites, plots with prior approval, commercial-to-residential opportunities. None of it publicly listed.
No agent in the middle. I introduce you to the deal directly and discreetly. If you're a serious buyer, I want to hear from you.
Whether you're building a rental portfolio or looking for your next development site, I source across all property types across Merseyside and Cheshire.
An option agreement is a legal arrangement between a landowner and a developer or buyer. In simple terms: I agree to pay for and pursue planning permission on your land. In return, I have the option to purchase the land at an agreed price if and when planning is granted.
You don’t pay a penny towards the planning application. You don’t have to deal with planners, architects or consultants. You don’t take any financial risk.
If planning comes through, you sell the land at a pre-agreed price — often significantly higher than its current agricultural or amenity value. If planning is refused and we decide not to appeal, the option lapses and you’re free to do whatever you wish with the land.
Particularly where neighbouring development has already taken place nearby. Often overlooked by landowners but frequently viable.
Old industrial, commercial or agricultural buildings no longer in active use. Councils actively favour brownfield development under current planning policy.
A refused application isn't the end of the road. Changing housing need, updated local plans and new political context can make a previously refused site viable.
Particularly where local plans indicate housing need or where the settlement boundary is under review.
Sites suitable for conversion or small residential development — including plots that wouldn't support larger schemes.
Old industrial land, redundant farm buildings, disused commercial premises — sites that might have a very different future use if the right planning case is made.
Old industrial land, redundant farm buildings, disused commercial premises — sites that might have a very different future use if the right planning case is made.
The Process — Simple, Transparent, No Upfront Cost
You contact me. I'll ask a few straightforward questions about the land — location, size, any previous planning history, what you're hoping to achieve. No forms. No portals. Just a direct conversation.
I'll review the site, consider the planning context, look at what's happened nearby and give you an honest view on potential. I may visit in person. There's no cost and no obligation at this stage.
If I believe the site has genuine potential, I'll put forward an option agreement. The terms will be clearly explained — the option period, the agreed land price on planning success, and what happens if planning isn't achieved. You'll want your solicitor to review it. That's entirely appropriate and expected.
I manage the entire planning process. That means instructing architects, planning consultants and specialists where required, preparing and submitting the application, and handling any negotiations with the local authority. You don't manage any of this.
If planning is granted and the site is sold, you receive the agreed land value. If the application fails and no viable appeal route exists, the option lapses. You owe nothing and retain the land.
Every penny of the planning process is covered by me — architect fees, application fees, consultant costs and any appeal costs. You contribute nothing and you owe nothing if planning fails.
The planning process in England is complex, slow and often frustrating. I manage all of it. You will never need to chase planners, attend committee meetings or instruct consultants yourself.
The option agreement sets out exactly what you will receive when planning comes through and the site sells. No hidden deductions, no last-minute renegotiations, no surprises at completion.
I have personally acquired planning permissions and developed sites from the ground up. I know what a realistic outcome looks like — and I will tell you honestly if your land is not viable rather than waste your time.
I’m based on the Wirral and work across a wide area of the North West — including Liverpool, Wirral, Chester, Knowsley, St Helens, Halton, Warrington and the surrounding parts of Cheshire.
If you’re based outside these areas but own land within a reasonable distance, it’s always worth a conversation. I’ll tell you honestly whether it’s something I’d consider.
Chester and the surrounding areas of Cheshire offer a different planning landscape — often more complex, but with correspondingly higher end values on successful sites. I work with landowners and investors in this area on a regular basis.
Liverpool and the wider Merseyside area continue to attract significant investment in residential and mixed-use development. Permitted development opportunities, commercial-to-residential conversions, HMO schemes and small residential sites all represent genuine opportunities for the right landowner or investor.
The Wirral peninsula has strong demand for residential development, particularly on brownfield and edge-of-settlement sites. With Green Belt and coastal constraints creating genuine housing pressure, well-located plots on the Wirral carry real planning potential. I know this market well — it's where I'm based.
All information is kept strictly private and only seen by John.
The more detail you give, the better. Location, size, planning history, what’s on it now, any previous approaches from developers. This isn’t a simple contact form — John reads every submission personally and gives a real response.
I ask for photos and a video walkthrough because I want to give you a proper answer, not waste your time with a vague response. If you take 10 minutes to fill this in properly, I’ll take it seriously and come back to you quickly.
If you just send me an address and expect me to go and look, that’s not how this works. We’re both busy. Put the effort in and I’ll match it.
Nothing upfront. All costs associated with the planning process — architect fees, planning application fees, consultant costs and any appeal costs — are paid by me. You will want your own solicitor to review the option agreement before signing, and that legal fee is your only likely cost.
Whether you're looking to invest, sell, explore land opportunities or work together as a professional partner — fill in the form and John will get back to you directly.
