An agricultural engineering business owner has spoken about a mutually beneficial deal he made with property developer PH Homes to enable his growing company to relocate to more suitable premises.
The family of James Barlow, Managing Director of Barlows of Henbury, had operated their agricultural equipment business from its base in the small village of Henbury in Cheshire for more than 60 years. However, as the burgeoning company underwent significant growth in recent years, the site, located on a winding country lane, became increasingly unfit for purpose.
For three years the company had tried in vain to sell the site to finance a move to bigger, more suitable premises until the estate agent James had hired introduced him to PH Homes.
The luxury house builder, based in South Manchester, was seeking a prestigious rural location where they could situate a high quality development of luxury homes.
PH Homes took the reins, obtaining planning consent, as well as dealing with all the red tape and various issues that arose, while James sought new premises for his company.
“From start to finish, PH Homes were brilliant. Anything we needed, they offered to help – even if it wasn’t part of the contract,” he said.
“Since my family has such a personal investment in the site, with my parents still living next door, it was important to deal with a company that would produce a quality development.”
Following the recent move of Barlows of Henbury to a new site in Macclesfield, work has started on The Courtyard in Andertons Lane. Already there is a lot of interest in the development of nine four bedroomed semi-detached and mews houses, with two sold before the first brick is laid.
Phil Hughes, Managing Director of PH Homes, added: “Britain’s stuck between a rock and a hard place when it comes to the housing crisis – with very little remaining undeveloped land available in suburban areas and stringent planning controls restricting development in most other areas.
“However, there is a potential remedy for the situation that benefits all parties involved – utilising previously developed land on former industrial sites in prestigious Green Belt locations to bring high-quality homes to the market.
“Our work with Barlows acted as proof of concept in terms of how beneficial this arrangement can be for both parties and we’d be keen to talk to other businesses with industrial properties in desirable locations.”
Photo: (left to right) Phil Hughes, Managing Director of PH Homes, and James Barlow, Managing Director of Barlows of Henbury, on the site of The Courtyard in Henbury, as demolition work gets underway for the development.
