Sam is a real estate partner specialising in biodiversity net gain, strategic land and residential-led development projects. He acts for operators, housebuilders, landowners, developers and land promoters across the country, advising on everything from promotion agreements and option deals to conditional contracts and site disposals. His advice is commercially focused, clear, and always delivered with an eye on the bigger picture.
With deep experience in biodiversity net gain, nutrient neutrality and other natural capital projects, Sam plays a pivotal role in helping clients unlock planning permissions in environmentally sensitive areas. He regularly advises on the structuring of mitigation schemes, from land acquisition through to the transfer of credits/units to developers—ensuring deals progress smoothly despite regulatory complexity.
Examples of Sam’s work:
- Advised on numerous conservation covenant agreements and site set up for biodiversity net gain, nutrient neutrality and other Habitat Regulation Schemes
- Acting on numerous BNG and nutrient neutrality allocations across the country
- Negotiated a £50 million subject-to-planning sale of a strategic site delivering c.700 homes to a national housebuilder.
- Advising charities on their applications to become responsible bodies under the Environment Act 2021.
- Acted on the sale of a 200-unit residential development site and a mixed-use scheme delivering over 300 units, with layered terms including overage and deferred consideration.
- Advised on the acquisition and development of student accommodation (circa 120 beds) and investment transactions in the commercial warehousing sector.
- Supported clients through complex option and promotion agreements for multi-phase strategic land projects.
Known for a clear and collaborative approach
Sam is trusted for his sharp eye for detail, calm under pressure, and commitment to getting things done well. He works closely with clients and their wider advisory teams, bringing clarity to technical issues and a steady hand to negotiation. Whether leading on a long-term land assembly or advising on short-term planning constraints, Sam builds lasting relationships grounded in practical advice and a genuine understanding of each client’s goals.
