Landowners within the West of England have a once in a decade opportunity to have an impact on local development, according to property agent Colliers International.

The West of England Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) is currently undertaking a consultation where they are inviting landowners to identify available land for potential housing and economic development. The consultation presents a rare window for landowners to identify areas or plots of land over 0.25 hectares for residential development or 500 square metres for commercial or industrial.

As the opportunity only occurs once every 15 or 20 years, Colliers International is urging landowners to act now as the consultation closes on March 6.

Tom Stanley, head of planning at Colliers International’s South West office, said: “Traditionally, a local authority will adopt a 15 or 20 year plan that outlines potential developments in their area. Outside of this, there is limited scope to put forward additional development sites that have not already been planned for. However, the new West of England LEP is evaluating its planning approach through a joint planning strategy.

“We are appealing to landowners whose land abuts existing development within the West of England LEP area, to take note and make the most of this opportunity. It could be a farmer who has an unused field, a business that owns a disused or under-utilised plot of land or an individual looking to offload an area of their estate. With the deadline for representations fast approaching, we would urge any interested parties to act now before the consultation closes or they may miss the opportunity to become involved in the partnership’s long term planning strategy.

“Colliers is well placed to advise on this and is helping landowners to better understand the process. This project is part of Colliers’ long-term vision and strategy to offer an integrated property service from a development’s conception, through planning, construction, the final phases of leasing and selling and through to the completed property’s day-to-day management.”

The West of England LEP is a collaboration of four local authorities; Bath and North East Somerset Council, Bristol City Council, North Somerset Council and South Gloucestershire Council.