Westcountry Land & Homes

Name: Westcountry Land & Homes
Address: Truro, GB
Telephone: +441827248758

Home
United Kingdom
Truro
Westcountry Land & Homes

One of the leading premium land and property developers based in the South West, delivering quality, contemporary, design-led homes and land opportunities.

19/06/2026

The development industry is facing increasing pressure from the growing number of taxes, levies and financial obligations attached to bringing forward new homes.

From Community Infrastructure Levy contributions and Section 106 agreements through to Biodiversity Net Gain requirements and now the Building Safety Levy, the cumulative impact on projects is becoming significant - particularly for SME developers and more challenging sites.

While many of these measures are introduced with positive intentions, the reality is that every additional cost ultimately affects viability, delivery timescales and investment decisions. In some cases, the combined burden risks making otherwise sustainable developments unviable.

At a time when there is widespread recognition of the need for more homes, it is important that policy and taxation strike the right balance between raising standards and maintaining the ability to actually deliver development.

The industry is resilient and continues to adapt, but there is an increasing need for a more proportionate and practical approach that supports both growth and delivery.

https://www.westcountryland.com/

12/06/2026

Great to see the access works now complete at our Holsworthy project.

This marks a key milestone for the site, providing the infrastructure needed to support future development and bring forward new homes for the area.

It’s always encouraging to see tangible progress on the ground - turning a site from concept into delivery.

https://www.westcountryland.com/wclprojects/holsworthy/

04/06/2026

The property and development sector is always closely linked to the wider economic and political landscape, and recent global events have naturally created a degree of caution across the market.

Political uncertainty in the UK, combined with wider international tensions and economic pressures, can influence confidence levels for developers, landowners and homebuyers alike. Decisions around investment, land promotion and moving home often take longer when people are waiting to see how markets and policy may evolve.

That said, the underlying demand for high-quality new homes remains strong, particularly in well-connected and desirable locations. Across the industry, there continues to be a focus on bringing forward sustainable developments that meet local housing needs and support long-term growth.

While the market may experience periods of uncertainty, confidence and activity tend to return where there is clarity, quality and a long-term approach.

https://www.westcountryland.com/

27/05/2026

The introduction of Biodiversity Net Gain was intended to deliver positive environmental outcomes, but in practice, the process is becoming increasingly complex, costly and time-consuming.

We are currently working with a local authority on a Section 106 agreement relating to biodiversity contributions. While the actual biodiversity contribution is around £3,500, the associated legal and administration fees have pushed the total cost to nearly £10,000.

To put that into perspective, the council fees are significantly higher than the contribution itself!

Beyond the cost, the delays involved in preparing and agreeing these documents can add months to the planning process, creating additional risk and uncertainty for projects at a time when the industry is already under pressure.

Surely there has to be a more proportionate and efficient way to deliver biodiversity improvements without adding unnecessary layers of bureaucracy and delay?

Are others across the industry experiencing similar challenges with Section 106 agreements and Biodiversity Net Gain? We’d be interested to hear your experiences.

15/05/2026

At Westcountry Land & Homes, we are always keen to hear about land opportunities across the South West.

Whether you own land, represent a family estate, or are aware of a site with development potential, our experienced team can provide a straightforward and professional assessment.

We work with landowners, agents and developers to unlock the potential of sites of all sizes, from small infill plots to larger strategic developments.

With decades of experience navigating the planning system and bringing forward successful residential schemes, we understand how to maximise value while creating well-considered developments that enhance local communities.

If you have land that may be suitable for development, we would be pleased to have a confidential, no-obligation conversation.

Get in touch with our team today to discuss your opportunity.
https://www.westcountryland.com/contact-wcl/

08/05/2026

The continued focus on planning reform and simplifying the development process is a positive step for the industry.

From our experience, the current level of complexity can be a real barrier for smaller and medium-sized developers - often out of proportion to the scale of development itself.

A more tailored and proportionate approach to planning could make a significant difference, helping unlock sites, reduce delays and support a broader mix of developers bringing forward much-needed new homes.

Supporting SME housebuilders is an important part of creating a healthy, resilient and deliverable housing sector, particularly in areas where local knowledge and long-term investment matter.

At Westcountry Land, we welcome continued efforts to create a more practical and workable planning system that supports sustainable growth and housing delivery.

https://www.westcountryland.com/

30/04/2026

Ongoing proposals to simplify the planning system, including the introduction of a clearer definition for medium-scale development, are a positive step forward.

From our experience, the current level of complexity can be a real barrier for smaller developers – often out of proportion to the scale of development.

A more tailored, proportionate approach could make a big difference, helping unlock sites, reduce delays and support a broader mix of developers bringing forward new homes.

However, reforming the system is only part of the solution. To truly accelerate delivery, equal focus must be given to viability and market conditions, ensuring schemes are not just approved, but actually built.

It’s an encouraging move towards a more practical, workable planning system.

At Westcountry Land, we’re passionate about supporting a diverse and resilient development sector, including SME housebuilders.

Get in touch to explore how we can help bring your site forward.
https://www.westcountryland.com/

21/04/2026

If we want to increase housing delivery, we need to support buyers – not just supply.

There’s been a strong focus on funding for affordable housing, which is welcome. But the private market continues to face real pressure.

Sales rates for new homes remain at some of the lowest levels seen in recent years.

Without buyers, sites stall. And when sites stall, fewer homes are delivered.

If the Government is serious about boosting housing supply, we need measures that help people buy – whether that’s mortgage support, improved affordability, stamp duty reductions or exemptions, or a replacement for Help to Buy.

Because ultimately, delivery depends on demand.

At Westcountry Land, we see first-hand how market conditions impact delivery – and why a balanced approach is so important.

Read more https://www.westcountryland.com/supporting-buyers-is-key-to-unlocking-housing-delivery/

10/04/2026

A recent planning decision in Cornwall highlights some of the ongoing challenges facing the delivery of new homes – particularly for smaller sites.

The application was refused following a tied vote, with the final decision made by the chairman’s casting vote.

What’s particularly notable is the discussion around impact – with suggestions that the scheme may have been viewed differently if it were 100% affordable housing, despite the physical and environmental impact of development remaining the same.

This raises important questions about consistency in decision-making and the role of Permission in Principle (PiP), which was introduced to support smaller, more straightforward developments.

At Westcountry Land, we support a planning system that is clear, proportionate and genuinely enables delivery – particularly at a time when new homes are urgently needed.

Decisions like this show there is still more to do to ensure policy is being applied as intended.

https://www.westcountryland.com/planning-decision-highlights-need-for-greater-clarity-around-pip-and-consistency-in-decision-making/

02/04/2026

A more “rules-based” planning system continues to take shape.

One of the most significant changes proposed through the draft NPPF is the introduction of a permanent presumption in favour of suitably located development.

In practice, this should help provide greater clarity on where development ought to be acceptable in principle - particularly on suitable urban and brownfield land.

For too long, uncertainty has been one of the biggest barriers to bringing sites forward. A clearer framework, where the right development in the right locations is supported by default, has the potential to reduce delays and help unlock deliverable sites more efficiently.

It also reflects the wider shift towards prioritising sustainable, well-located development - ensuring growth happens where it makes the most sense.

Overall, this feels like a positive move towards a more predictable and practical planning system.

Address

Truro

Telephone

+441827248758

Website

http://www.westcountryland.com/

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Westcountry Land & Homes posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Business

Send a message to Westcountry Land & Homes:

Shortcuts

Want your business to be the top-listed Estate Agent/service in Truro?