Tees has advised nine landowners on the sale of Straits Mill, a 162-acre site in Braintree, Essex, to Barratt and David Wilson Homes’ Eastern Counties division. The site has planning permission for up to 1,000 new homes, including 30% affordable housing, a new primary school with early years provision, retail space, and significant green infrastructure.
The deal represents a key milestone in one of Essex’s largest mixed-use developments, set to deliver lasting economic and community benefits for the region.
The site was originally secured by Catesby Estates through a promotion agreement in 2017 and gained allocation in Braintree District Council’s adopted Local Plan before receiving outline planning approval in 2021. It was brought to market following Catesby’s acquisition of L&Q Estates in August 2024.
Tees worked alongside Strutt & Parker (BNP Paribas Real Estate) and Savills to represent the landowners, while Catesby Estates, the strategic land promoter behind the project, was advised by Shakespeare Martineau. Barratt and David Wilson Homes were advised by Osborne Clarke LLP.
Executive Partner for Commercial Property, Aaron Cane, commented:
“We were proud to act for all landowners involved in this significant strategic land project. Navigating multiple ownerships and title complexities over a four-year period required close collaboration, clear advice, and commercial pragmatism. It’s incredibly rewarding to see the site sold with a comprehensive planning consent that will benefit future generations and provide new homes, jobs, and community infrastructure for Braintree.”
This landmark transaction highlights Tees expertise in complex landowner collaboration agreements, strategic land promotion, and high-value development transactions across the East of England.
To find out more about how our Commercial Property team supports landowners through strategic land projects, get in touch with our expert team.
