A land promoter is a company or individual that works with landowners to obtain planning permission for development before selling the land to a developer. Their primary goal is to maximize the land’s value by securing planning consent, making it more attractive and profitable for future housing or commercial projects.
How Does a Land Promoter Operate?
Identifies Potential Development Sites:
They target land that may be suitable for housing or commercial use, even if it currently lacks planning permission.
Enters into Agreements with Landowners:
They typically sign a Promotion Agreement with the landowner.
The promoter covers all costs (planning applications, surveys, legal fees) in exchange for a share of the final land sale price.
Navigates the Planning Process:
They lobby councils to allocate the land for development in Local Plans.
They submit and appeal planning applications to increase the chances of approval.
They may commission environmental and traffic studies to address objections.
Sells the Land Once Permission is Granted:
After securing planning permission, they market the site to developers.
The land is sold at a much higher value than its original use (e.g., farmland).
The promoter and landowner then split the proceeds.
Why Are Land Promoters Controversial?
They do not build homes but profit from unlocking land value.
Their interests are often aligned with developers, not local communities.
They push for large-scale developments that may not align with local needs or infrastructure capacity.
They lobby councils and influence Local Plan decisions, sometimes overriding community concerns.
Relevance to Blundel Lane Development
If a land promoter is involved in the Blundel Lane, Stoke d’Abernon development, they are likely behind efforts to push the site through planning despite local opposition. Understanding their role helps local residents challenge assumptions about the necessity and sustainability of the proposed housing.
James Thornton
Senior Writer
James Thornton is a Surrey-based writer and commentator specialising in housing developments, urban planning, and community impact. With a background in journalism and a keen interest in the evolving landscape of Surrey’s towns and villages, James has spent over a decade researching and reporting on planning policies, local authority decisions, and the balance between development and heritage conservation.
