Wates Developments

As her term on the Wates Future Leaders Board comes to a close, Georgie Fricker (nee Elliott) Ficker from Wates Developments reflects on an experience that’s shaped her career. From presenting to ExCo to collaborating across business units, and even celebrating life milestones with fellow board members, Georgie shares how the programme fosters growth, innovation, and genuine connection. Huge thanks to Georgie for her contribution and leadership. 🎬 Watch her full reflections in the video below. #FutureLeaders #WatesDevelopments 

Inclusivity is crucial to us at Wates Developments, as creating places where people can thrive means ensuring everyone feels welcome. That’s why we’re proud to be sponsoring three Relaxed Performances at Chichester Festival Theatre this year. These specially adapted performances are designed for people who may benefit from a more informal, supportive theatre environment, such as those who are autistic, neurodivergent, or living with anxiety or learning disabilities. With adjustments such as lower sound levels, gentler lighting, a pre-show introduction, and a designated chill-out space, these events make live performances more accessible to a wider audience. 🎭 Upcoming Relaxed Performances at CFT include:  • Top Hat – 26 August  • The Three Little Pigs (Relaxed + BSL interpreted) – 28 December  • A Boy Called Christmas – 30 December David Brocklebank, our Executive Managing Director, said it best: “Our purpose at Wates is to create places where people can thrive… We’re proud to support Chichester Festival Theatre in creating a welcoming environment where everyone can relax and enjoy their visit.” With 95% of previous attendees reporting a positive impact on their quality of life, we understand the power of inclusive spaces. We're honoured to play a small part in that. Discover more here: https://lnkd.in/eFXPPv7Y #CommunitySupport #WatesDevelopments

Last week, we were pleased to welcome two work experience students as part of our commitment to supporting the next generation in the built environment. As part of their placement, the students were given the opportunity to visit the award-winning JV development, Pippins Place, in West Malling, which was delivered in partnership with Vistry Kent. Senior Land & Planning Manager, Rory Kemp MRICS, led the visit, giving the students valuable insight into the various stages of project delivery on a live site. A special thank you goes to Paul Ley MCIOB and the Vistry Kent site team for taking the time to walk the group through the development and share their knowledge. Pippins Place was recently recognised with an NHBC Pride in the Job Award, underlining the quality of work and attention to detail that sets the development apart. More about the project can be found here:  https://lnkd.in/evT39PfC #WatesDevelopments #VistryKent #Land #landandplanning

We’re proud to see our recently approved Crawley Down scheme featured in the press this week. This planning milestone – which will bring forward up to 350 new homes, 30% affordable housing, extensive green space and over £2.5m in community contributions – has been recognised for its collaborative, landscape-led approach. Catch up on the coverage here:  👉 MSN - https://lnkd.in/e_CT-URX  👉 SussexWorld - https://lnkd.in/eM9t39bk 👉 Show House - https://lnkd.in/eijywSvu A huge thank you to everyone involved – this is a true reflection of what partnership and long-term commitment can achieve. #WatesDevelopments #CrawleyDown #PlanningApproved 

Are you a land and development professional with experience in UK planning, land disposals, valuations and contracts?   Join Wates Developments and play a pivotal role in managing the successful exits of our land and property interests – helping us reimagine places for people to thrive.   You’ll work alongside our Acquisitions & Disposals Director to: ✅ Create and implement exit strategies for residential land ✅ Drive value through freehold land sales, Option/Promotion Agreements and joint ventures ✅ Collaborate across the team to maintain relationships with agents and landowners ✅ Ensure legal interests are recorded and managed post-disposal   We’re looking for someone with deep knowledge of land management, financial viability, legal contracts and the housebuilding market.   Ready to shape the future of development with us?   Apply now: https://lnkd.in/eTRzpMAT     #Wates #LandDevelopment #PropertyCareers 

We’re pleased to share that Horsham District Council has approved our plans for 79 new homes on land north of Marringdean Road, Billingshurst. Twenty-eight of these homes will be delivered through affordable rent and shared ownership, directly supporting local families and individuals on the Council’s Housing Register, which now totals over 700 households. What’s more, every home will be Net Zero Carbon Ready, reflecting our ongoing commitment to future-proofed, sustainable development. The application was fully supported by planning officers and recommended for approval, recognition of the quality, sustainability and alignment of the scheme with local policy. The plans also include a new, fully equipped children’s play area to meet a recognised local need for high-quality recreational space. The development will promote sustainable transport, with investment in improved bus stops, safer pedestrian access via dropped kerbs and tactile paving, and new sheltered cycle parking at Billingshurst railway station, helping residents to travel smarter and greener. Finally, we’re proud to continue working with Sussex Green Living. Earlier this year, our support helped deliver a series of school workshops aimed at reducing food waste and promoting composting. Most recently, pupils at Billingshurst Primary Academy participated in an interactive session for World Environment Day, learning how small actions can lead to significant environmental impact. This represents another step forward in delivering thoughtful, sustainable communities that address real local needs. #WatesDevelopments #Planning #LandAndDevelopment #NetZeroHomes

We’re proud to announce that Meryl Baker has been shortlisted for Woman of the Year at the 2025 Property Week Awards.   This recognition is richly deserved. Meryl’s commercial insight, strategic leadership and commitment to inclusion have shaped not only Wates Developments but the future of our industry.   As Lord Banner QC shared: “Meryl’s calm and inclusive leadership style has been pivotal in reshaping how we work, who we work with and who we work for. She has truly helped redefine the role of women in the development industry.”   Her nomination is a proud moment for the wider Wates Group. Tim Wates said: “Meryl exemplifies the values we champion - commitment, intelligence, humility and drive. She is an inspiring leader, an exceptional role model and a key part of the next generation of business leadership at Wates.”   Under Meryl’s leadership, our Portfolio Team has achieved a 98% planning success rate and won eight consecutive planning appeals - an exceptional track record that’s virtually unheard of in the industry. Alongside this, she has built a 50/50 gender-balanced team and championed inclusive recruitment practices that attract talent from underrepresented backgrounds.   Meryl’s approach proves that commercial performance and meaningful inclusion go hand in hand — and the results speak for themselves.   #PropertyWeekAwards #WomenInProperty #Leadership #Inclusion #WatesDevelopments #Congratulations  

We’re proud to share that Mid Sussex District Council has granted planning permission for our development at Crawley Down. This marks the culmination of over a decade of collaboration with local stakeholders to bring forward a scheme that meets the needs of both new and existing residents. The plans include: 🏠 350 new homes – 30% affordable (social rent, affordable rent and shared ownership) 🌳 60% of the site retained as green space, including walking routes, wildflower meadows and a new community hub ⚽ Funding for a new 3G pitch at Crawley Down Gatwick FC 🛠 Over £5m in contributions to local schools, health, libraries, sport and community services ♻️ Energy-efficient homes powered by renewables, with EV charging and electric car club access Speaking on behalf of Wates, Meryl Baker said: “From the outset, the Wates team worked with MSDC officers to deliver a landscape-led development which reflected the local character of Crawley Down and we feel very proud of the collaborative work that has gone into this proposal. We’ve engaged extensively with Worth Parish Council, local stakeholders and the local community – and have ensured that green space and publicly accessible areas are a priority to create a sense of place where the community can thrive.” A huge thank you to the local community and all our partners for helping shape this scheme. #WatesDevelopments #PlanningApproved #AffordableHousing #SustainableCommunities

This month marks Natalie Flint’s 10th anniversary with Wates Developments, a decade that’s seen her play a pivotal role in shaping not only our business but the careers and experiences of so many around her. From leading the growth of our joint venture portfolio, culminating in our 40th deal this year, to championing Wates Women and Allies, launching menopause education across the Group, and mentoring the next generation of talent, Natalie’s influence runs deep. In her own words, she reflects on ten years of purpose, progress and partnership 👇 🔗 [Read more below. #TeamWates #WatesDevelopments #Leadership

Did you catch our milestone moment in the latest Land, Planning and Development Federation newsletter? The newsletter features details of our 10th land deal of the year – an exciting exchange in Farnham that will bring forward over 140 much-needed new homes. The newsletter also highlights our team’s recent fundraising efforts, where we raised over £4,600 for PAPYRUS Prevention of Young Suicide by taking part in a dragon boat competition – a cause that means a great deal to our team. 👉 Read the full article below to learn more about our progress and purpose. #StrategicLand #LandPromotion #WatesDevelopments #SocialImpact #HousingDelivery