Why TARO?

Possibly — and that's where the conversation begins.

A garden, unused plot or redundant building can sometimes have more potential than it first appears. But nobody can say what it might be worth for development without understanding the site and its planning context.

An initial conversation and preliminary assessment are free, with no obligation to proceed.

We're particularly interested in smaller sites — gardens, infill plots, garage courts, backland and underused land, and buildings that could be converted or redeveloped.

We're also interested in places with constraints or a complicated planning history. A previous refusal doesn't necessarily mean there's no opportunity, although every site needs to be considered on its own merits.

The initial conversation and preliminary assessment cost nothing.

If TARO decides to take a site forward under a development agreement, we'll explain which planning and professional costs we would cover, and whether you would have any costs of your own, before you commit.

Of course. Some landowners choose to do exactly that.

But taking a site through planning requires time, professional input and financial commitment, without any guarantee of success. TARO brings design and development thinking together from the outset and coordinates the specialist advice needed to explore an opportunity.

Absolutely. You can explore selected projects from my seventeen years working in architectural practice, including work at Stanton Williams and Hawkins\Brown.

These are projects undertaken during my previous employment, rather than developments delivered by TARO. I'm happy to explain my involvement and how that experience informs the way I approach potential sites.

That depends on the site and what we're trying to achieve together.

One possibility is an option agreement, which can allow TARO to pursue planning while you retain ownership of the land. We'll explain the proposed arrangement in plain English, and your independent solicitor should review it before you sign anything.

Under an option agreement, you would normally remain the owner while the development opportunity is investigated and planning is pursued.

The agreement would explain any rights TARO needs, such as access for surveys, and any restrictions affecting how you use the land.

Not every application succeeds. Sometimes a proposal can be revised or an appeal considered; sometimes the right decision is to stop.

What happens next, including responsibility for costs and when the agreement ends, would be established in the agreement before work begins.

It depends on the site, the council and the planning issues involved.

Initial investigations may be relatively quick, but preparing a proposal, obtaining planning permission and completing a land transaction can take many months or longer. We'll discuss a realistic programme once we understand your site.

Planning is a public process. If an application is submitted, the details will normally be published on the council's planning website, and neighbours may be notified or consulted.

Before that stage, we'll discuss the proposal and how the planning process works, so you understand what information may become public and when.

You're free to decide not to proceed after our initial conversation or assessment.

Once a formal agreement is signed, however, your ability to withdraw depends on its terms. We'll explain those terms before you commit, and your solicitor can advise you independently.

You can verify TARO's company details independently through Companies House, read about my professional background and previous projects on this website, or contact me directly.

There's no obligation to respond to a letter, and an initial conversation doesn't commit you to anything.