Northern Trust Land has long been at the forefront of strategic land promotion in the UK, helpling unlock transformational development schemes that benefit landowners, local authorities, and communities. A prime example of this expertise is the Great Eccleston development in Lancashire – a master-planned scheme that demonstrates Northern Trust’s ability to deliver large-scale, sustainable communities.
From Greenfield to Community Vision
Located in the picturesque village of Great Eccleston, just outside Preston, Lancashire, the site off Copp Lane extends to 63.5 acres and comprises seven separate land ownerships. Northern Trust successfully secured outline planning consent for 539 dwellings, with the first permission granted in 2016 and the most recent renewed in 2022.
Bringing such an ambitious project to life required careful land assembly and negotiation of complex legal agreements between multiple landowners. Northern Trust played a pivotal role in managing these challenges, ensuring that the development vision could progress smoothly.
The development goes beyond just housing:
The sites were subsequently sold to developers, with reserved matters and detailed planning applications submitted and approved. The Rowland Homes sites have now been completed, while construction continues on Phase 3.
Phase 1: Laying the Foundations
Phase 1 covered 11.5 acres and delivered 90 homes, including the provision of a car park to improve pedestrian access into the village centre. The land was sold to Rowland Homes in 2016, marking the first tangible step in turning the masterplan into reality.
Phase 2: Expanding the Community
Phase 2 spanned 13.5 acres and delivered 93 homes, with the land sold to Rowland Homes in 2018. A small portion, Phase 2a, was developed by Lanley Homes for 6 units, highlighting the collaborative approach between multiple developers to deliver the project efficiently.
Phase 3: Delivering the Vision
Phase 3 is the largest section of the development, covering 38.5 acres and providing for 350 homes. Northern Trust sold the planning application to Duchy Homes in 2022, enabling the next stage of the project to progress. Development is ongoing, with both Bellway and Avant on-site after acquiring the site from Duchy in 2023.
Phase 3 underscores the long-term impact of Northern Trust’s strategic land promotion, demonstrating how careful master-planning and proactive land management can deliver sustainable, thriving communities.
Why the Great Eccleston Project Matters
The Great Eccleston development exemplifies Northern Trust Land’s approach to creating value from underutilised sites:
- Vision-led master-planning that anticipates community needs.
- Strategic land assembly and legal expertise to overcome complex challenges.
- Collaborative engagement with local authorities, landowners, and developers.
- Successful disposal to leading developers, ensuring delivery on the ground.
For landowners looking to unlock the potential of their land – whether residential, commercial, or mixed use – this project serves as a powerful example of what can be achieved with the right strategic partner.
