Fern Road

Project Overview

Construction had partially commenced. Foundations were installed and elements of the scheme were part built, but the site was inactive, exposed and facing compliance concerns.

During the Covid 19 lockdown in 2020, while much of the market paused, we structured and completed the acquisition of the scheme and recommenced works in June 2020.

Where others saw uncertainty, we saw opportunity.

Condition on Takeover

The site required immediate and decisive intervention.

Key issues included:

• Planning enforcement due to unauthorised construction above garages
• Poor workmanship in areas of the existing build
• 12 months of inactivity
• Part completed timber frame elements
• Incomplete utilities and drainage infrastructure
• Sensitive re engagement required with Building Control
• Ongoing coordination required with structural warranty provider

Without structured management, the scheme risked further deterioration and value erosion.

Immediate Stabilisation and Compliance

One of the first priorities was resolving the planning enforcement matter relating to construction above garages without permission.

We:

• Engaged directly with the Local Authority
• Removed unauthorised structures
• Regularised compliance
• Reestablished credibility with planning officers

Swift corrective action prevented escalation and protected the long term viability of the development.

Reestablishing Regulatory Confidence

Restarting a failed site requires more than construction knowledge. It requires regulatory diplomacy.

We:

• Re-engaged with Building Control
• Conducted detailed reviews of existing works
• Addressed workmanship deficiencies
• Coordinated closely with the structural warranty provider
• Implemented structured quality control processes

These relationships are critical when stepping into a distressed scheme. Confidence must be rebuilt before progress can resume at pace.

Construction and Infrastructure Delivery

The scheme comprised 16 x 5 bedroom townhouses constructed using timber frame.

Works under our control included:

• Review and validation of existing foundations
• Completion of timber frame construction
• Installation of utilities and full drainage infrastructure
• External works
• Internal fit out across multiple units
• Programme restructuring and trade coordination

Restarting and delivering a multi unit scheme requires disciplined sequencing, cash flow management and contractor control.

Works were completed in August 2021.

Commercial Outcome

The scheme was transformed from a stalled asset into a completed residential development.

Upon completion:

• 16 x 5 bedroom townhouses delivered
• 11 units retained within our portfolio
• 5 units sold

The site transitioned from distressed liability to performing asset.

A Solution for Administrators and Lenders

Fern Road demonstrates our capability to:

• Acquire stalled or insolvent developments
• Resolve planning enforcement issues
• Re engage Building Control and warranty providers
• Rectify poor workmanship
• Restart inactive sites
• Protect and enhance asset value
• Deliver controlled exits

We understand the pressures faced by administrators and lenders managing problem sites.

Speed, compliance, commercial clarity and delivery certainty are critical.

Our experienced in-house team can step in, stabilise, restructure and deliver schemes through to completion or exit.