Frequently asked questions.

We can provide an initial view on your land’s development potential by reviewing factors such as planning policy, access, services, site constraints, local demand and likely delivery routes. The aim is to give you a clear, honest understanding of whether there may be an opportunity worth exploring further.

We provide strategic development advice across the project lifecycle, including site appraisal, acquisition strategy, planning approach, design and mix review, delivery strategy, funding considerations and exit planning. We can support a single scheme or help shape a wider development pipeline.

No. In many cases, the best time to speak is before planning permission has been secured. Early advice can help identify the right route, avoid costly mistakes and determine whether the land has realistic development potential.

Both. Smaller Somerset schemes — broadly up to ten homes and under £2m — are delivered hands-on by us. Larger schemes are structured and delivered through a trusted network of main contractors and consultants, with Renshaw Smith retaining strategic and commercial oversight throughout.

A planning promotion agreement is an arrangement where a promoter works with a landowner to secure planning permission before the land is sold or developed. The landowner usually retains ownership of the land, while the promoter takes responsibility for progressing the planning strategy. If planning is achieved, both parties benefit from the uplift in land value.

We are based in Somerset and work across the South West. The portfolio runs from the Chew Valley and Mendips through Wells and Bath to Bristol — Clifton, Redland, Redcliffe, the Harbourside and Bedminster among them — with selective projects further into Dorset, Devon and Wiltshire where the opportunity warrants it. Every site is assessed on its own planning, commercial and delivery merits.

An option agreement gives a developer or promoter the right, but not the obligation, to purchase land in the future, usually once planning permission has been secured. The purchase price is typically agreed in advance or calculated using an agreed formula. This can give a landowner certainty while allowing the planning process to be progressed professionally.

Yes. Our work can begin at site sourcing or appraisal stage and continue through planning, funding, design coordination, construction and exit. We can either lead the process or work alongside an existing team, depending on the needs of the project.

Not necessarily. Depending on the site and your objectives, there may be several routes available, including an outright sale, option agreement, promotion agreement or joint venture. We can help you understand which structure may be most appropriate.

From single high-quality houses and heritage conversions through to schemes of around ten homes built directly, and considerably larger developments delivered through our contractor network. The right route depends on the site, the programme and the level of risk you want to carry.

The earlier the better, particularly where land value, planning strategy or delivery structure still needs to be shaped. However, we can step in at any stage — live projects, underperforming sales, stalled schemes or opportunities that need a fresh commercial view.

Planning timescales vary depending on the site, the local authority, the planning route and the complexity of the proposal. A straightforward planning application may take several months, while strategic land promotion through the Local Plan process can take several years. We will give you a realistic view based on your site and circumstances.

Yes, where appropriate, we can support the delivery phase of a project, including contractor procurement, programme oversight, cost control, quality review and coordination between the professional team. Our focus is on helping projects move from strategy into practical delivery with clear commercial discipline.

Through a fixed scope agreed before work starts, a tendered and benchmarked cost plan, and monthly reporting against programme and budget. Variations are priced and approved in advance, so there are no surprises at payment stage.

You can get in touch through the Contact page or email hello@renshawsmith.co.uk. An initial conversation is usually the best way to understand the site, project or opportunity and decide whether there is a sensible way to work together.

We work with selected private investors, family offices and capital partners where there is a clear fit with a development opportunity. Partnership structures vary depending on the project, risk profile and capital requirement, and are considered on a case-by-case basis.

Yes. A previous refusal does not always mean a site has no future potential. We can review the reasons for refusal, planning context, site constraints and possible alternative strategies before advising whether the opportunity is worth revisiting.

Yes. Through our network, we can help identify and assess development opportunities that match a developer’s criteria. This may include early-stage, off-market or underexplored opportunities, depending on availability and fit. We can also help review whether a site is commercially viable before significant time or capital is committed.

Yes. We would start with an independent review of the works completed, the quality on site, the outstanding contract position and the remaining cost to complete, then set out a realistic route and programme to finish the scheme.

Initial exploratory conversations are free of charge. If there is a clear opportunity to work together, we will explain the most appropriate structure and terms before any formal engagement begins.

Returns vary by project, planning risk, funding structure, programme, market conditions and exit route. We do not treat returns as one-size-fits-all. Each opportunity is assessed individually, with appropriate financial modelling, sensitivity analysis and clear discussion of risk before any commitment is made.

We help landowners understand, structure and unlock the potential value of their land. This can include initial land appraisals, planning strategy, promotion agreements, option agreements, joint venture structures, introductions to the right professional team, and support through planning, delivery and sale. Our role can be tailored depending on how involved you want to be.

Yes. We often work with existing architects, planners, agents, consultants, contractors and funders. Our role is to add strategic direction, commercial judgement and coordination where it is needed most.

Yes. We regularly deliver schemes designed by others, coordinating the existing team through technical design, building control, procurement and construction. Where a team still needs assembling, we can recommend architects, engineers and specialists we work with regularly.

Renshaw Smith combines advisory experience with practical development knowledge and a trusted professional network. We understand the commercial, planning and delivery pressures behind residential development, and our advice is shaped by what works in practice — not theory alone.

Partnerships are usually structured around the specific project and the role of each party. This may involve an SPV, joint venture, equity participation or other agreed structure. The aim is always to create clear governance, transparent reporting and aligned interests between the parties involved.

Yes. We provide independent reviews for lenders on schemes where sales, cost or programme have fallen behind, covering planning, cost and sales strategy and setting out a realistic route to recovery — including support to receivers where needed.

Yes. Where sales have stalled, we assess why — pricing, positioning, specification or market timing — and set out a strategy that protects value and mitigates cash flow risk, working alongside the existing team or leading the reset directly.