Maximising returns for landowners
We recognise the importance and value of high-quality, sustainable, landscape and design-led schemes that are achieved in partnership.
Engaging with the people that live and work near the scheme helps us to deliver high-quality designs – an approach that has been highly commended by local communities and local authorities.
Having identified the best approach for a project, we undertake comprehensive site investigations and survey work. This is combined with extensive engagement with stakeholders including the Local Authority, local communities, and Parish Councils as the scheme is progressed through the planning process.
Pigeon’s in-house planning, design, and communications teams allow for a bespoke, personal approach to every site, and sets us apart from the rest.
I have always been impressed with Pigeon’s tenacity, quality of their planning & technical team, and ability to overcome all obstacles.
Tom Fraser, Development Director Savills

Structures
We bring a flexible and collaborative approach to Land Promotion, working with landowners to suit their individual needs and objectives. For Land Promotion projects, we generally offer one of the following options:
Promotion Agreements
We promote the land for development at our own risk and cost for an agreed period of time. When planning permission is granted and the land is marketed and sold, Pigeon and the Landowner share the receipt in agreed proportions.
Option Agreements
As above, we promote the land for development at our own risk and cost. Once planning permission is granted, Pigeon exercises its option to buy the land from the landowner at an agreed discount to market value.
Hybrid Agreements
This is a combination of a promotion agreement and an option agreement and is often used on large strategic sites that may be developed in stages. When planning is granted, Pigeon has the option to buy a fixed part of the site, with the remainder sold on the open market.
Freehold Purchases
On occasion it can take several years for land to come forward for development and Landowners may prefer to realise some value now, in which case Pigeon can purchase the freehold.
Joint Ventures
We promote the land at our own risk and cost. Having achieved planning permission, Pigeon implements the disposal plan for site, sharing in the land price and the development profit in an agreed proportion. Landowner receipts are typically higher in return for sharing the development risk.
Our track record
Our successful land promotion projects span a broad range of opportunities, including green belt land, land under multiple ownerships, land with existing buildings, previously promoted land, and land suitable for mixed-use development.


Identify the Sites
We use our expertise to select sites with the best prospects of securing planning permission in the short to medium term. Our holistic expertise often sets Pigeon apart from our competitors.

Agree Terms
Once we have met the Landowner, we put forward an offer to promote the land using one (or more) of the structures above and agree key terms.

Legal Agreement
After the terms are agreed, we instruct solicitors to draft the legal agreement. Both parties sign and it becomes legally binding.

Appoint Project Team
Our in-house team of experts from Land Promotion through to Planning and Design works alongside external specialist consultants, to manage the project through to success with Landowner approval throughout.

Planning Promotion
We agree a planning strategy for the site and start promoting it through the planning process, including extensive engagement with the local community and key stakeholders.

Regular Reporting
Throughout the process we keep the Landowner informed of progress through regular updates and project meetings.

Planning Application
We prepare a planning application for approval by the Landowner ahead of submission to the relevant local planning authority.

Planning Decision
Once planning permission is granted, we work with the Landowner to agree a disposal strategy, in line with their personal and commercial objectives.

























Thetford
Norfolk
5,000 homes
In partnership with The Crown and Kilverstone Estates
Land available
Pigeon is managing the development of a major urban extension at Thetford on behalf of The Crown and Kilverstone Estates. We secured planning permission in 2015 for up to 5,000 homes, 22.5 hectares of commercial development, retail, schools, community facilities, and public open space. In 2018, the first phase of housing land was sold to Hopkins Homes, a developer of high-quality homes that set the bar for this inspiring development. We sold a second phase to Kier Homes in 2019, and a third phase to Taylor Wimpey in 2021. A fourth phase was marketed in 2023 and is under offer to a PLC Housebuilder.
Around 700 plots have now been sold, with over 150 new homes occupied. New power and water supplies are being installed before the next phase of land will be offered for sale.
Bury St Edmunds
Suffolk
62 acres
Around 450 homes
Part of the Council’s Core Strategy and Bury Vision 2031
Pigeon acquired 62 acres of freehold land on the western edge of Bury St Edmunds in May 2018. The land is allocated in the former St Edmundsbury Borough Council’s Core Strategy and Bury St Edmunds ‘Vision 2031’ for the development of around 450 homes, a sub-regional health campus, a relief road, various facilities, and transport improvements. The site is the major part of a draft allocation for 600 homes in West Suffolk Council’s emerging Local Plan, which is expected to be adopted in Spring/Summer 2025. Our current planning application should be determined during 2024.
read moreSherburn
North Yorkshire
Two sites
Total of 370 homes
Includes affordable housing
Pigeon was selected in 2014 to promote a 24.5 acre site to the north of Sherburn in Elmet, North Yorkshire. We secured planning permission for 250 homes, open space, and a new access road onto the A612, and we sold the site to Yorkshire Housing Association in 2019. The housing association completed the development in July 2022, with a mix of one to five bedroom homes including flats, semi-detached and detached properties. Following this successful scheme, we acquired the neighbouring piece of land from the same landowner and took them successfully through the planning process for a further tranche of 120 homes. This site was acquired by Avant Homes in 2022.
read moreThurston
Suffolk
Rural setting
Fast turnaround
Excellent location for Newmarket, Cambridge and Ipswich
Pigeon was selected in 2016 to promote 37 acres of land, four miles east of Bury St Edmunds in the thriving Suffolk village of Thurston. We submitted a planning application in December 2016 for 200 homes including nine self-build plots, a primary school and a pre-school site, woodland, and extensive open space.
Mid Suffolk District Council granted planning permission for the scheme in March 2018; the housing site was sold to Linden Homes in September 2018 and construction began in 2019. The primary school is now complete in this popular scheme offering a collection of 2, 3, 4 and 5 bedroom homes in an established countryside setting.
Bedford
Bedfordshire
Pigeon acquired Twinwoods Business Park, near Bedford in late 2023. The site extends to over 165 acres, and was originally constructed in the 1950’s as a world class wind tunnel testing facility. It is now a multi-let business park and has over 20 tenants including the Secretary of State, Red Bull Racing, and numerous industrial and engineering businesses.
There is also vacant land that has longer-term potential. We intend to add value by bringing forward an investment programme to accommodate a range of uses for existing and new tenants. This could include employment uses such as industrial, manufacturing and storage as well as alternatives such as renewable energy and filming.
Hemel Hempstead
Hertfordshire
86 acres
Excellent location
Desirable commuter town
Pigeon acquired 86 acres of freehold land on the Eastern edge of Hemel Hempstead in May 2019. The land is within St Albans District Council and forms part of ‘Hemel Garden Communities’ (HGC). HGC is a collaboration between Dacorum Borough Council, St Albans City and District Council and Hertfordshire County Council, and is supported by the Hertfordshire Local Enterprise Partnership to deliver more than 11,000 new homes and 10,000 new jobs by 2050. The site is currently within the green belt and is being progressed through the emerging St Albans Local Plan.
read moreThurston
Suffolk
Rural setting
Fast turnaround
Excellent location for Newmarket, Cambridge and Ipswich
Pigeon was selected in 2016 to promote 37 acres of land, four miles east of Bury St Edmunds in the thriving Suffolk village of Thurston. We submitted a planning application in December 2016 for 200 homes including nine self-build plots, a primary school and a pre-school site, woodland, and extensive open space.
Mid Suffolk District Council granted planning permission for the scheme in March 2018; the housing site was sold to Linden Homes in September 2018 and construction began in 2019. The primary school is now complete in this popular scheme offering a collection of 2, 3, 4 and 5 bedroom homes in an established countryside setting.
Sherburn
North Yorkshire
Two sites
Total of 370 homes
Includes affordable housing
Pigeon was selected in 2014 to promote a 24.5 acre site to the north of Sherburn in Elmet, North Yorkshire. We secured planning permission for 250 homes, open space, and a new access road onto the A612, and we sold the site to Yorkshire Housing Association in 2019. The housing association completed the development in July 2022, with a mix of one to five bedroom homes including flats, semi-detached and detached properties. Following this successful scheme, we acquired the neighbouring piece of land from the same landowner and took them successfully through the planning process for a further tranche of 120 homes. This site was acquired by Avant Homes in 2022.
read moreBury St Edmunds
Suffolk
62 acres
Around 450 homes
Part of the Council’s Core Strategy and Bury Vision 2031
Pigeon acquired 62 acres of freehold land on the western edge of Bury St Edmunds in May 2018. The land is allocated in the former St Edmundsbury Borough Council’s Core Strategy and Bury St Edmunds ‘Vision 2031’ for the development of around 450 homes, a sub-regional health campus, a relief road, various facilities, and transport improvements. The site is the major part of a draft allocation for 600 homes in West Suffolk Council’s emerging Local Plan, which is expected to be adopted in Spring/Summer 2025. Our current planning application should be determined during 2024.
read moreCambridge South
Cambridgeshire
Close to Cambridge Biomedical Campus
417 acres
115 acre science park & 1,250 homes
Pigeon was selected jointly with Lands Improvement Holdings to promote over 400 acres of land on the south side of Cambridge, in the ownership of Jesus College and a private landowner. The land has been promoted through the review of the Greater Cambridge Local Plan, which is due to be examined by an independent inspector in 2025. The land could form an important part of the Cambridge Biomedical Campus 2050 Vision, which seeks to secure and develop the Campus as a leading European life science location. The proposed scheme for this quality piece of real estate makes provision for both residential and employment use, with commitments to meeting net-zero carbon targets and biodiversity net gains of 10%.
read moreWickford
Essex
Green belt
1,100 homes
High demand for quality housing
Pigeon was selected in 2011 to promote land at Wickford in South Essex for housing. The land lies within the Metropolitan Green Belt, adjoining an existing housing development and is in area with substantial demand for high quality homes. The land was initially given a draft allocation for 450 homes, and this increased to 1,100 homes as the Basildon Local Plan review progressed. The Local Plan was subsequently withdrawn, and the review is now underway. We will submit a planning application once the draft Local Plan is published, and this much sought-after site will be marketed with planning permission as soon as it is granted.
read moreThetford
Norfolk
5,000 homes
In partnership with The Crown and Kilverstone Estates
Land available
Pigeon is managing the development of a major urban extension at Thetford on behalf of The Crown and Kilverstone Estates. We secured planning permission in 2015 for up to 5,000 homes, 22.5 hectares of commercial development, retail, schools, community facilities, and public open space. In 2018, the first phase of housing land was sold to Hopkins Homes, a developer of high-quality homes that set the bar for this inspiring development. We sold a second phase to Kier Homes in 2019, and a third phase to Taylor Wimpey in 2021. A fourth phase was marketed in 2023 and is under offer to a PLC Housebuilder.
Around 700 plots have now been sold, with over 150 new homes occupied. New power and water supplies are being installed before the next phase of land will be offered for sale.
Stevenage
Hertfordshire
80 acres
Extensive community facilities
Fast turnaround
Pigeon was selected in 2015 to promote 80 acres of land east of Stevenage in Hertfordshire, within the Metropolitan Green Belt. The site is in a prime location, with excellent commuter links to London. Following our submission to the East Hertfordshire Local Plan review, the land was removed from the green belt and allocated for housing. In 2019 we submitted a planning application for a high quality development comprising of over 600 new homes, a care home, and substantial community facilities including a school, extensive landscaping and green open space. Planning was granted in 2020 and we sold the site to Redrow Homes in June 2021, marking a five-year turnaround for this prominent site.
read moreYaxley
Cambridgeshire
13 acres
Additional development opportunities
Potential for excellent rental growth
Pigeon acquired this 13-acre industrial site in early 2021. Located just to the south of Peterborough, it contains a mix of industrial buildings and open storage plots. The low density of the site presents an opportunity to develop new buildings to add value and drive returns. During 2023 a substantial improvement programme commenced, improving the estate road and the quality of the open storage, and working with the existing tenants to ensure the property meets their long-term needs.
read moreWaterbeach
Cambridgeshire
High-quality warehouse space
Well-established commercial location
Capital growth
Pigeon acquired 11-12 Pembroke Avenue in 2021, with the building vacant and in poor condition. An extensive refurbishment programme followed, including stripping the building back to frame, replacing the roof and cladding, and re-fitting the offices. The property was then let to Alstom Transport UK on a 10-year lease. Pembroke Avenue is a valuable and high-quality addition to the Pigeon portfolio of investment properties, being in a prime location with substantial demand for quality industrial space.
read moreSwavesey
Cambridgeshire
Rental and capital growth
Cambridge
Fully let on long term leases
Pigeon purchased this property in 2019 with vacant possession. The site extends to 2.9 acres and has a mix of office and industrial accommodation with 1.4 acres of open storage land. Shortly after acquiring the site, the buildings were let to Envea, a world-class manufacturer of emission and monitoring systems for industrial chimneys. They have taken a 10-year lease and renamed the building ‘Envea House’. The rear storage land was then let to Cambridge Container Storage, a self-storage operator, on a 10 year lease. The site offers both rental and capital growth potential.
read morePeterborough
Cambridgeshire
Rental and capital growth
Single let
57,000 sq ft
Pigeon acquired this 57,000 sq ft warehouse and car showroom in 2022. The property is let to car dealership, Big Motoring World on a long-term lease. The site is in a good location, with easy access from Werrington Parkway and has planning consent for both B8 and car showroom use, ensuring flexible future use and rental growth potential.
read moreNorwich
Norfolk
Rental growth
Fully-let
Immediate access to outer ring road
Pigeon acquired this freehold, multi-let industrial investment site in January 2021.Extending to 46,000 sq ft across four units, the property is located on the Sweet Briar Industrial Estate and has immediate access to the outer ring road. At the time of acquisition, the existing leases were all short and below market rent, which presented an opportunity to re-let the units at higher rents. Following a re-letting and refurbishment programme the property is now fully let and current occupiers include Amari Plastics, Smits Metals Centre and NRS Healthcare.
read moreBury St Edmunds
Suffolk
Rental and capital growth
Fully let
Prime office space
Linden Square provides approximately 18,000 sq ft of Grade A office space. Situated in the town centre at the heart of the business and retail district, it is widely recognised as the town’s best quality office space. Owned by Pigeon since 2012, the offices are fully let to an excellent roster of professional tenants and the property provides a solid, long-term investment opportunity across both rental and capital growth.
read moreIpswich
Suffolk
Planning permission for B1C, B2, B8
Close to Felixstowe
200,000 sq ft of accommodation
Junction 56 is a brand-new industrial and logistics development located on the edge of Ipswich, with immediate access to the A14 and just 20 minutes’ drive from Felixstowe, the UK’s largest container port. Pigeon acquired the site in 2017 as part of a wider, 200-acre estate. We have upgraded the two A14 roundabouts and the roadside services area is now commencing construction, with a new petrol filling station, convenience store, electric vehicle charging, drive through restaurant and dedicated lorry parking.
read moreCheshunt
Hertfordshire
Prime location
Logistics
Planning permission in place
Pigeon acquired approximately 3.5 acres at Theobalds Business Park in 2022. The proposed development known as MAX50 is located just one mile from the M25/A10 interchange in Cheshunt, with nearby occupiers including the Sunset Waltham Cross Studios and Broxbourne Business and Technology Centre. We acquired the site with outline planning permission for B2/B8 use and have subsequently secured reserved matters planning permission for a 50,000 sq ft unit. The land will provide much-needed logistics space to the Greater London area and is currently being marketed to occupiers with construction to commence thereafter.
read moreNorwich
Norfolk
48 acres
Leading employment hub
Infrastructure provided
Pigeon acquired Broadland Gate as bare farmland in 2016, in a joint venture with Ifield Group. This 48-acre site of commercial development land sits at the intersection of the A47 and the Norwich Distributor Road, making it a prime location for one of the leading employment hubs east of Norwich. More than 80% of the site is now sold or under offer, with notable occupiers, including Norfolk Constabulary, which chose Broadland Gate for its new police investigation centre serving the east of Norwich.
read moreBarton Mills
Suffolk
Pigeon acquired this five-acre freehold brownfield site, located on the Norwich-bound carriageway at one of the busiest roundabouts on the A11 in Suffolk. We obtained planning permission and undertook substantial redevelopment during 2015 to create a new motor services area, with tenants including Shell, a tyre centre and car wash, plus one of the country’s top-performing McDonalds restaurants. We continue to manage this busy and successful site.
read moreWickford
Essex
Green belt
1,100 homes
High demand for quality housing
Pigeon was selected in 2011 to promote land at Wickford in South Essex for housing. The land lies within the Metropolitan Green Belt, adjoining an existing housing development and is in area with substantial demand for high quality homes. The land was initially given a draft allocation for 450 homes, and this increased to 1,100 homes as the Basildon Local Plan review progressed. The Local Plan was subsequently withdrawn, and the review is now underway. We will submit a planning application once the draft Local Plan is published, and this much sought-after site will be marketed with planning permission as soon as it is granted.
read moreStevenage
Hertfordshire
80 acres
Extensive community facilities
Fast turnaround
Pigeon was selected in 2015 to promote 80 acres of land east of Stevenage in Hertfordshire, within the Metropolitan Green Belt. The site is in a prime location, with excellent commuter links to London. Following our submission to the East Hertfordshire Local Plan review, the land was removed from the green belt and allocated for housing. In 2019 we submitted a planning application for a high quality development comprising of over 600 new homes, a care home, and substantial community facilities including a school, extensive landscaping and green open space. Planning was granted in 2020 and we sold the site to Redrow Homes in June 2021, marking a five-year turnaround for this prominent site.
read more
James Buxton
Executive Chairman
j.buxton@pigeon.co.ukJames Buxton is Chairman of Pigeon and leads the Land Promotion team. He brings experience, integrity and many years of experience in the property industry, having advised landowners, developers, and institutions on all aspects of property development and promotion.
James joined Pigeon in 2010 having spent most of his career at Bidwells, including ten years as Senior Partner. James is a Chartered Surveyor and a Fellow of RICS.
James enjoys collecting old cars, field sports, and a spot of painting.

William Stanton
Founding Director
w.stanton@pigeon.co.ukWilliam is a Founding Director of Pigeon and leads the strategic direction and the company’s business development. He works with the Commercial, Land Promotion and Funding teams at Pigeon.
William was formerly a Board Member of Savills (L&P) Plc, and during his 30-year career has gained extensive knowledge and experience of the property market. He is a founding director of Cambridge Power, one of the largest battery storage companies in the UK.
William is a Chartered Surveyor, a member of the CLA and former Director of the Suffolk Development Agency. He enjoys a range of sports when the seasons allow, including tennis, cricket, golf, skiing, and running the family farm.

Ed Lowe
Director - Land
e.lowe@pigeon.co.ukEd joined Pigeon in June 2019 and is primarily responsible for new business within the Land Promotion team. He also manages a number of existing projects and is involved with the business planning and strategy of the land promotion team.
Ed has previously worked for Countryside Properties, Barratt David Wilson, and Gladman where his roles included securing both strategic and immediate opportunities throughout the East and South East of England, and ongoing project management.
Ed also has experience in the financial markets starting his career at Hawksmoor Investment Management. Ed is a qualified Chartered Surveyor.
Away from work, Ed enjoys activities such as hockey, tennis, skiing, and sailing. He particularly enjoys the opportunity to share these experiences with his young family and introduce them to new adventures.

Carl Atkinson
Associate Director
c.atkinson@pigeon.co.ukCarl’s role encompasses many aspects of the Land Promotion business, from finding opportunities to managing projects. His primary focus is on the management of various land portfolios and ensuring budgets and timelines are on target.
Prior to Pigeon, Carl worked in the house-building industry for more than 40 years and has been involved in residential land since 1986.
Carl joined Pigeon because he knows many of the Directors and has worked with several of them in the past. He brings with him a different outlook to the land promotion team after having worked on the other end of the process.
Away from work Carl can be found spending time up on the Norfolk Coast, cooking, and mucking about with his Land Rover.

James Buxton
Executive Chairman
j.buxton@pigeon.co.ukJames Buxton is Chairman of Pigeon and leads the Land Promotion team. He brings experience, integrity and many years of experience in the property industry, having advised landowners, developers, and institutions on all aspects of property development and promotion.
James joined Pigeon in 2010 having spent most of his career at Bidwells, including ten years as Senior Partner. James is a Chartered Surveyor and a Fellow of RICS.
James enjoys collecting old cars, field sports, and a spot of painting.

William Stanton
Founding Director
w.stanton@pigeon.co.ukWilliam is a Founding Director of Pigeon and leads the strategic direction and the company’s business development. He works with the Commercial, Land Promotion and Funding teams at Pigeon.
William was formerly a Board Member of Savills (L&P) Plc, and during his 30-year career has gained extensive knowledge and experience of the property market. He is a founding director of Cambridge Power, one of the largest battery storage companies in the UK.
William is a Chartered Surveyor, a member of the CLA and former Director of the Suffolk Development Agency. He enjoys a range of sports when the seasons allow, including tennis, cricket, golf, skiing, and running the family farm.

Richard Stanton
Founding Director
r.stanton@pigeon.co.ukRichard co-founded Pigeon, he is an Executive Director and is Chairman of Cambridge Power. Prior to founding Pigeon, he worked in London and Australia to help build a global fintech business.
He is the Managing Partner of a Norfolk-based farming business and is a Norfolk Ambassador for the new Cambridge Children’s Hospital.

William van Cutsem
Investment Director
w.vancutsem@pigeon.co.ukWilliam is a co-founder and Investment Director for Pigeon. He is Chairman of the Investment Committee and leads the investment activity for both commercial and residential sectors. He works closely with the Pigeon teams to evaluate opportunities to find strong returns for the risks taken. He helps manage the Pigeon Group and is particularly involved in the strategic growth of the business.
William is a Chartered Surveyor and previously worked in the Investment Team at Savills.

Ian Plumb
Finance Director
i.plumb@pigeon.co.ukIan’s role as Finance Director involves strategic planning for Pigeon, devising and implementing new corporate structures, leading the corporate function for the company, and overall management of the Finance team.
Ian qualified as a Chartered Accountant at Baker Tilly, before working in a variety of finance and corporate finance roles at Greene King, Acteon, and Willis Towers Watson. He is a Fellow of the Association of Chartered Accountants.
Ian enjoys playing golf and spending time with his young family.

Simon Butler-Finbow
Group Planning Director
s.butler-finbow@pigeon.co.ukSimon is Group Planning Director for Pigeon and oversees the company’s portfolio. He heads the Planning and Design Department, leads on the master planning and delivery of major projects, and supports the company’s business development.
Simon joined Pigeon in 2012 having previously worked in local government before holding senior positions in two of the country’s largest housebuilders and being on the Board of a regional property company. His extensive knowledge and experience mean he is well-placed to provide strategic advice and support across all planning and development matters.
Simon is a Member of the Royal Town Planning Institute, an Associate Member of the Royal Institute of British Architects and Eastern Region Chairman of the Home Builders Federation.
Away from Pigeon, Simon enjoys spending time with his family and motorcycling.

Patrick Cooper
Director
p.cooper@pigeon.co.ukPatrick’s role at Pigeon involves talking to current and potential investors and ensuring that they receive both high-quality service and reporting alongside complete discretion. He enjoys finding out the requirements of each individual investor and working with colleagues at Pigeon to develop innovative and rewarding solutions.
Patrick has spent more than 30 years in investment management, working for both large and small clients and focusing on distribution and client management. His broad knowledge of geographic and sector investments helps him to understand how investors at Pigeon view property investments, and how best to assist them.
Away from work Patrick enjoys walking and is starting to plan more and more trips to do so, including longer countryside ones with his wife and dogs.

Ryan Bruty
Director - Technical
r.bruty@pigeon.co.ukRyan’s role in the Planning and Design Department involves managing the Technical team and a portfolio of Pigeon’s projects from a technical perspective. He is responsible for ensuring that projects are technically robust and deliverable, as well as managing external consultants and delivering technical reports.
Ryan is a civil/infrastructure engineer by trade and has more than 18 years of experience in the design and management of infrastructure on residential and mixed-used schemes.
Prior to Pigeon he worked at one of the UK’s largest house builders but was inspired to move to Pigeon so he could be involved in the early stages of development at such an entrepreneurial company.
Away from work, Ryan can be found spending time with his family, travelling, and attending music festivals (especially Glastonbury). He also runs the occasional marathon!

Ben Guest
Director - Investment
b.guest@pigeon.co.ukBen is responsible for the acquisition, management and exit strategy for Pigeon’s commercial investment properties, whilst setting the business plan that will drive the returns for all stakeholders.
Ben excels at making things happen and enjoys working with people, whether it is colleagues, consultants, tenants, or our investors. He believes that property is a people business and Pigeon is good at recognising this.
He joined Pigeon in 2014 having started his career at Savills as a graduate before working at RBS and Morston Assets. Ben is a Chartered Surveyor and a member of the Investment Property Forum.
Away from work, Ben likes to keep fit and spend time with his family.

Hugh French
Director - Development
h.french@pigeon.co.ukHugh is responsible for the acquisition and management strategy for Pigeon’s commercial development business. He joined Pigeon in 2012, attracted by the company’s entrepreneurial spirit, recognising that there was a great opportunity to be part of its growth story.
Hugh is a qualified Chartered Surveyor, and, prior to Pigeon, he worked at various consultancies in London and the Eastern Region.
Away from work, Hugh is usually found playing (and now more regularly watching) sports.

Ed Lowe
Director - Land
e.lowe@pigeon.co.ukEd joined Pigeon in June 2019 and is primarily responsible for new business within the Land Promotion team. He also manages a number of existing projects and is involved with the business planning and strategy of the land promotion team.
Ed has previously worked for Countryside Properties, Barratt David Wilson, and Gladman where his roles included securing both strategic and immediate opportunities throughout the East and South East of England, and ongoing project management.
Ed also has experience in the financial markets starting his career at Hawksmoor Investment Management. Ed is a qualified Chartered Surveyor.
Away from work, Ed enjoys activities such as hockey, tennis, skiing, and sailing. He particularly enjoys the opportunity to share these experiences with his young family and introduce them to new adventures.

Rob Snowling
Director - Planning
r.snowling@pigeon.co.ukRob is responsible for the Planning Team and the provision of planning services for all departments within Pigeon. He manages all planning matters relating to the delivery of a portfolio of projects through to the point of disposal or build, ensuring that all members of the Planning Team have the same broad responsibilities regarding their portfolios.
Rob joined Pigeon in 2015, having previously worked for property developer Morston Assets, managing all aspects of Town Planning across a nation-wide portfolio of mixed-use development sites. He started his career at Bidwells, advising landowners and developers across East Anglia.
Rob is an experienced development professional and has been a Member of the Royal Town Planning Institute since 2005.
Away from work, Rob can be found spending time with his family, watching rugby, and keeping fit by swimming, cycling and running.

Carl Atkinson
Associate Director
c.atkinson@pigeon.co.ukCarl’s role encompasses many aspects of the Land Promotion business, from finding opportunities to managing projects. His primary focus is on the management of various land portfolios and ensuring budgets and timelines are on target.
Prior to Pigeon, Carl worked in the house-building industry for more than 40 years and has been involved in residential land since 1986.
Carl joined Pigeon because he knows many of the Directors and has worked with several of them in the past. He brings with him a different outlook to the land promotion team after having worked on the other end of the process.
Away from work Carl can be found spending time up on the Norfolk Coast, cooking, and mucking about with his Land Rover.

Poppy Briggs
Executive Assistant to the Board
p.briggs@pigeon.co.ukPoppy joined Pigeon in 2023 as the Executive Assistant to the Board of Directors. In her role, she provides comprehensive administrative support to the Directors and serves as their primary point of contact.
Before joining Pigeon, Poppy worked in the construction industry, where she provided administration, accounts, and personal assistant services to the directors. Prior to that, she spent five years as a retail manager, which laid a solid foundation of knowledge that she has carried through her various roles.
Outside of work, Poppy enjoys spending time with her children and partner, particularly through leisurely walks and is currently busy planning her wedding.

Emma Butler
Development Surveyor
e.butler@pigeon.co.ukEmma joined Pigeon in 2019 as a Graduate Surveyor following a degree in Real Estate at the Royal Agricultural University. She has since completed her APC, qualifying as a member of RICS in June 2022 and progressing to become a Development Surveyor.
In her role at Pigeon, Emma assists with the management and delivery of strategic commercial and mixed-use development projects.
Away from work, Emma enjoys socialising with friends and family, and spending time in the countryside – usually on a horse or walking with a couple of Labradors.

Chris Criscione
Head of Communications
c.criscione@pigeon.co.ukChris leads the communications team at Pigeon, with strategic-level responsibility for the group’s communications. This includes corporate marketing and communications, as well as community and political engagement across Pigeon projects. He also assists the land promotion and funding teams with a particular focus on business development and growth.
He joined the company in 2024, having held senior management positions within a communications consultancy and before that, headed up group PR, communications and engagement for a regional developer.
Chris is a District Councillor in North Essex, currently Vice Chairman of the Council. He co-chairs the authority’s Operational Resilience Taskforce and sits on the Scrutiny Committee and £300m Investment Board.
Away from work, Chris devotes his time to his young family, as well as being a charity trustee and active freemason. He also spends a lot of time scouring dense vegetation for his wayward golf shots.

Jade Clarke
Assistant Financial Accountant
j.clarke@pigeon.co.ukJade joined Pigeon in July 2024 as Assistant Financial Accountant.
As Assistant Financial Accountant, Jade is responsible for invoicing, banking and management accounts for a variety of projects at Pigeon
Jade began her career in finance in 2017 and since then has had various roles, including working as Banking & Treasury Team Leader for a private healthcare group.
Having only moved to Suffolk in December 2023, Jade is spending most of her time renovating her new home. She also enjoys live music.

Emma Conley
Property / Office Manager
e.conley@pigeon.co.ukEmma has been with Pigeon since the very early days and is responsible for managing the office as well as the expanding Pigeon property portfolio. Her role spans health and safety, human resources and property management - it’s fair to say that it needs patience, dedication, and high-level organisational skills! Before becoming part of the fledgling Pigeon family in 2004, Emma ran a business with her husband for ten years.
Away from work, Emma enjoys walking her dogs and is a trustee and committee member for the Bury St Edmunds Constitutional Club.

Simon Debney
Group Financial Controller
s.debney@pigeon.co.ukAs Group Financial Controller, Simon is responsible for managing all day-to-day financial matters across Pigeon and managing the Finance team. He is an ICAEW-qualified accountant and trained in a top 10 accountancy practice.
Simon joined Pigeon in 2022, bringing experience from his previous roles in industry where he led financial reporting and commercial finance teams, most recently for a private equity-backed healthcare group.
Away from work, Simon enjoys playing sport and can often be found on the badminton court or the golf course.

Tom Gidney
Finance Business Partner
t.gidney@pigeon.co.ukAs Finance Business Partner Tom is responsible for the accounts and cashflows for a variety of investment projects at Pigeon. He is also on hand to offer finance advice and support to the project managers.
Tom began his career in finance in 2014 as an apprentice and since then has had various roles, including working as a business partner for internal services at West Suffolk Council. He joined Pigeon in January 2020 and became a Chartered Accountant the following year.
Away from work, Tom enjoys going on city breaks, visiting new places, trying new food and training for triathlons.

Paul Gray
Company Accountant
p.gray@pigeon.co.ukPaul has been with Pigeon for more than 16 years. Previously to Pigeon, he spent 10 years as an Audit Senior in an accounting and auditing practice and a further 20 years working as a company accountant in the food and packaging industries.
As Company Accountant he is responsible for all the corporate finances at Pigeon. Paul brings accuracy and diligence to his role and enjoys the variety of work.
Away from work, Paul enjoys reading, listening to music, gardening, and watching sports - he has been a fan of Manchester United for almost 60 years!

Tony Hickman
Senior Technical Manager
t.hickman@pigeon.co.ukAs Senior Technical Manager, Tony is responsible for carrying out technical appraisals of sites to assess any constraints and opportunities. He works alongside the Planning team to establish layouts with a real focus on sustainability and active travel links.
Prior to Pigeon Tony had more than 10 years of experience working for various engineering consultancies, including acting as lead Civil Engineer on the delivery of a £30m award-winning West Suffolk Operations Waste Hub.
He joined Pigeon in October 2022 for the opportunity to work for a well-known and respected property company. Tony is a Chartered Civil Engineer and a Fellow of the Institute of Highways Engineers.
Away from work, Tony can be found coaching his son’s football team - he loves every minute of it, from planning the drills to setting the goals up in the rain!

Kimberley Kaddish
Senior Planning Manager
k.kaddish@pigeon.co.ukKimberley is responsible for managing all planning matters relating to a portfolio of real estate projects including the delivery of high-quality landscape and design-led sustainable schemes.
Kimberley joined Pigeon in September 2023 having previously worked for Carter Jonas where she was an Associate Partner. Kimberley is an experienced planning professional with over 15 years’ experience and has been a Member of the Royal Town Planning Institute since 2017.
Away from work, Kimberley can be found spending time with her young family and enjoying time outside in the sunshine as much as the British weather will allow.

Stuart Inskip
Senior Development Manager
s.inskip@pigeon.co.ukStuart joined Pigeon in 2023 as Senior Development Manager in the Land Promotion team. He is responsible for managing a variety of projects, working with the team to deliver marketable planning permissions, and managing the final sale of the land to developers.
Stuart began his career at Countryside Properties as a Land Buyer, later moving on to companies such as Redrow and Crest before returning to Countryside as an Associate Development Director. The experience he gained at these companies means he is able to bring housing delivery expertise to enhance the schemes that are developed.
Away from work, Stuart likes to keep himself active by running, cycling, and playing tennis. He also enjoys taking part in outdoor challenges such as canoeing down the river Spey.

Justyna Kucharska
Design Co-ordinator
j.kucharska@pigeon.co.ukAs Design Co-ordinator, Justyna’s role involves producing concept drawings and plans, as well as supporting the Planning, Commercial, and Land teams with a variety of technical drawings.
After completing her first-class degree in Building Surveying, Justyna worked for a multi-disciplinary consultancy that delivered affordable homes for a range of developers and housing associations before joining Pigeon in 2020.
Away from work, Justyna can be found spending time with her children, playing computer games, and doing arts and crafts.

Alice Lockwood
Accounts Assistant
a.lockwood@pigeon.co.ukAs Accounts Assistant, Alice’s role involves purchase ledger and sales ledger input, liaising with suppliers, and assisting the team with projects whenever needed. She originally began her career in social care, but after studying and completing her AAT, changed to a finance career in 2018.
Prior to Pigeon, Alice’s first four years of financial work were within commercial finance. Alice was attracted to the positive atmosphere and supportive environment of Pigeon and very much enjoys working with a team of people who strive to progress and improve.

Claire Norris
Senior Communications Manager
c.norris@pigeon.co.ukClaire manages the Communications team, and together they deliver all the diverse communications and stakeholder engagement for the various projects and schemes at Pigeon. Claire initially joined Pigeon in 2018 as an Engagement Manager and was attracted by the company’s ambition – something that still holds true today.
Pre-Pigeon, she worked in several communications roles, covering all aspects of marketing, events, and PR, including 12 years at Greene King within the beer brands marketing team. Claire is a member of the Chartered Institute of Marketing, having passed her Postgraduate Diploma in 2004.
Away from work, Claire enjoys travelling, as well as spending time with her friends and family. She loves live music and tries to get to as many gigs as possible.

Will Page
Planner
w.page@pigeon.co.ukAs a Planner, Will assists the Planning team in its day-to-day activities and provides support across a wide range of planning projects. He enjoys the exposure he gets within his role to all of these projects and especially appreciates seeing the team’s hard work come to fruition.
Will began working at Pigeon in 2021 after completing his degree in Geography. He is currently progressing toward becoming a Chartered Town Planner following completion of an RTPI accredited MSc in 2023.
Away from work, Will is an accomplished runner who competes regularly for Colchester and Tendring AC and Suffolk – he can run 800 metres in 1 minute and 57 seconds! He is also a big music fan and can often be found at gigs or playing guitar.

Helen Payne
Client Services Executive
h.payne@pigeon.co.ukHelen joined Pigeon in September 2024 as Client Services Executive within the Investment team.
She has spent the majority of her career within the property and construction industries before recently relocating to Suffolk, having previously worked for a large surveying firm based in Norwich.
Outside of work, Helen enjoys long walks in the countryside and spending time with her family and friends.

Gemma Richardson
Assistant PA to the Directors
g.richardson@pigeon.co.ukGemma joined Pigeon in July 2024 as the Assistant PA to the Directors, providing administrative support to the Board and wider team, alongside being the first point of contact in the office.
Prior to joining Pigeon, she worked as Senior Administration Assistant at RSM, Bury St Edmunds for 3 years. Gemma has over 14 years experience in various administration roles.
Away from work Gemma enjoys spending time with her family, in particular watching her two sons play football.

Pauline Shakes
Finance Administrator - TWS
p.shakes@pigeon.co.ukPauline is the Finance Administrator for Founding Director Will Stanton’s Private Office. She manages the accounts, monitors investments, and compiles management reports.
Prior to this, Pauline gained extensive experience with many years as a company accountant in the Film/TV Industry.
Away from work, Pauline is a keen gardener and DIY enthusiast.

James Simpson
Asset Management Surveyor
j.simpson@pigeon.co.ukJames manages Pigeon’s commercial investment properties and assists with the acquisition and exit strategies. He likes to take a hands-on approach to asset management and relishes opportunities to be creative. James recognises the importance of forging strong relationships with people and enjoys working in a collaborative team environment at Pigeon.
Prior to joining Pigeon in September 2024, James worked in the Investment & Property Management team at Bidwells, Cambridge, having joined there as a graduate. He managed retail, office, industrial, and lab properties to maximise returns whilst mitigating risks for his clients, which included Cambridge Colleges and Family Offices.
Away from work, James enjoys sharing new experiences with his young family, as well as trying to squeeze in time for his love of sports, live music and travel.

Ben Temple
Associate
b.temple@pigeon.co.ukBen joined Pigeon in 2023 and manages construction projects across the logistics and residential sectors, working closely with the Pigeon teams and external consultants. With his strong track record in delivering construction projects, he enjoys bringing his experience into the business to provide advice and guidance to colleagues. Ben enjoys working on projects where he can take a more forward-thinking approach, carrying out due diligence and careful planning upfront to ensure a considered approach – and a better outcome.
Away from work, Ben will often be found on two wheels on his motorbike, or with his four-legged friend on a long walk. He is also pretty handy at making furniture!

Victoria Wood
Land Manager
v.barron@pigeon.co.ukVictoria joined Pigeon in 2021 and works within the Land Promotion team. She is responsible for sourcing new land opportunities and managing a number of existing projects throughout their lifespan.
Victoria began her career in 2016 as a graduate at Allsop LLP, and having qualified as a Chartered Surveyor she joined the Residential Transactional and Living Markets team where she focused on Land and Development Agency and Consultancy.
Away from work Victoria enjoys cooking, travelling, golf, and spending time with her friends on the North Norfolk Coast.

Stuart Inskip
Senior Development Manager
s.inskip@pigeon.co.ukStuart joined Pigeon in 2023 as Senior Development Manager in the Land Promotion team. He is responsible for managing a variety of projects, working with the team to deliver marketable planning permissions, and managing the final sale of the land to developers.
Stuart began his career at Countryside Properties as a Land Buyer, later moving on to companies such as Redrow and Crest before returning to Countryside as an Associate Development Director. The experience he gained at these companies means he is able to bring housing delivery expertise to enhance the schemes that are developed.
Away from work, Stuart likes to keep himself active by running, cycling, and playing tennis. He also enjoys taking part in outdoor challenges such as canoeing down the river Spey.

Victoria Wood
Land Manager
v.barron@pigeon.co.ukVictoria joined Pigeon in 2021 and works within the Land Promotion team. She is responsible for sourcing new land opportunities and managing a number of existing projects throughout their lifespan.
Victoria began her career in 2016 as a graduate at Allsop LLP, and having qualified as a Chartered Surveyor she joined the Residential Transactional and Living Markets team where she focused on Land and Development Agency and Consultancy.
Away from work Victoria enjoys cooking, travelling, golf, and spending time with her friends on the North Norfolk Coast.