Paul Higgs - Development, Land and Planning

If you haven't heard of Paul Higgs MRICS before then where have you been...

I struggle to think of anyone with the vast level of development experience that comes close to Higgsy's.

From small scale developments to £100 million land deals for PLCs there really is not much he hasn't done in his almost 40 years of being in development.

In this episode we discuss how Paul worked his way up from no qualifications to become the Head of Land for the UKs biggest housebuilder.

He describes how he won 80% of land deals and has 100% record in achieving planning by being incredibly detailed and driven. (which is no mean feat when you have created over 6500 residential units and 2.5 million square feet of commercial space)

His story is incredibly inspiring for anyone wanting to get into development but also for those of us already involved.

Not only does he still have an award winning private development company with several projects on the go but he also finds time to be a guest lecturer on Southbank University's Property Development Masters course

Other points we discuss include;

The greenbelt.

Why he doesn't think Permitted development is the answer to the housing crisis.

The planning process.

How focus and drive helped him get onto Land economics degree course when he had dropped out of school.

What risks are for Developers.

When he thinks its ok to take on the build risk.

What floats his boat now in terms of what he wants to build out.

How 2008 Great Financial Crash affected him and why he will not bank with RBS.

and a whole lot more.

For more info on Paul and his academy you can visit

https://www.millbanklandacademy.co.uk/