Henry Boot PLC (BOOT) has announced that its land promotion subsidiary, Hallam Land, has secured outline planning permission for 660 new homes on a site at Buntingford, Hertfordshire, following a successful planning appeal lodged after the original application was refused in October 2025. The consent, granted in September 2026, includes provision for up to 40% affordable housing and significant community infrastructure. The milestone adds to Hallam Land's strong planning delivery record, having achieved consent on over 2,000 plots in the year to date, and positions the site for sale to housebuilders in 2027.

Key Points

  • Henry Boot PLC (BOOT), one of the UK's leading land, property development and housebuilding groups
  • Hallam Land has secured outline planning consent for 660 homes at Buntingford, Hertfordshire, after a successful appeal against an October 2025 refusal
  • The scheme includes up to 40% affordable housing, 60 elderly persons' accommodation units, a mixed-use local centre, and 59 acres of green infrastructure
  • Investors should watch the 2027 site marketing process and Hallam Land's progress towards its target of submitting over 10,000 plots this year

Hallam Land's Eight-Year Promotion of the Buntingford Site Culminates in Appeal Win

Hallam Land entered into a Planning Promotion Agreement for the Buntingford site in 2018, located on the western edge of the town adjacent to the A507 and A10. An outline planning application was submitted in May 2024 but was refused in October 2025. Hallam Land subsequently appealed the decision and secured outline planning consent in September 2026. The announcement states the process underscores Hallam Land's capability in navigating complex planning procedures to unlock residential development in areas of recognised housing demand across England.

660-Home Scheme to Deliver Affordable Housing, Elderly Accommodation and 59 Acres of Green Space

The consented scheme at Buntingford will provide up to 660 homes, with up to 40% designated as affordable housing. Within that provision, 60 units are earmarked specifically for elderly persons' accommodation. The development also includes a mixed-use local centre and 59 acres of green infrastructure, encompassing playing fields, a community pavilion, and a country park. The scale and mix of the scheme reflects policy expectations for large residential allocations in Hertfordshire, where balancing housing delivery with community and environmental provision remains a key planning consideration.

Hallam Land to Market Buntingford Site to Housebuilders in 2027 After Passing 2,000-Plot Milestone

Following the grant of outline planning consent, the announcement confirms that Hallam Land will market the Buntingford site, either in part or in its entirety, for sale to housebuilders in 2027. The financial terms of any future transaction were not disclosed in the announcement. Separately, Hallam Land has now achieved planning on over 2,000 plots in the year to date and continues to progress numerous applications. The company has set a target of submitting planning applications covering over 10,000 plots during the current year, reflecting the breadth of its strategic land portfolio.

Hallam Land's 100,000-Home Portfolio Underpins Henry Boot's Residential Growth Strategy

Hallam Land manages one of the UK's largest strategic land portfolios, with the potential to facilitate over 100,000 homes across the country. Henry Boot, founded in 1886 and listed on the London Stock Exchange since 1919, employs nearly 350 people and operates across residential, industrial and logistics, and urban development markets. The group's other divisions include HBD, which holds a £1.4 billion development pipeline and a circa £120 million investment portfolio focused on industrial and logistics, Stonebridge Homes, and equipment supplier Banner Plant.