St. Modwen is expanding its Midlands land bank with the announcement that it has signed an agreement with Branston Properties Ltd to develop a 280 acre site in Branston, Burton on Trent.

The land, which is located on south of Burton off the A38, has the potential to accommodate up to 500 new homes and 650,000 sq ft of employment space.  St. Modwen and Branston Properties Ltd are now working closely with East Staffordshire Borough Council to draw up a comprehensive masterplan for the site.

Senior development surveyor for St. Modwen, Ian Romano, said: "St. Modwen is committed to adding to the 'Hopper' of strategic sites and Branston is an integral part of an ongoing programme of major land acquisitions capable of short and medium term delivery.  The purchase of such a significant area of land at Branston will boost St. Modwen's existing 5,600 acre land bank and considerably increase the Midlands portfolio, which is now approaching 2,000 acres.  

"We are currently focusing on preparing a masterplan for a mixed use scheme at Branston, with the aim of submitting a planning application in 2011. The marshalling of sites in readiness for development is an important preliminary phase for our regeneration projects, and over the coming months we will be working closely with the local authority to bring forward a scheme that will offer flexible solutions to occupiers looking for quality new employment space and will contribute to local housing requirements.  We are therefore looking forward to building on St. Modwen's presence in Burton on Trent and the wider East Staffordshire area."

James Leavesy of Branston Properties Ltd, said: "We are delighted to have agreed with St. Modwen to develop this large site south of Burton on Trent in Staffordshire."