Homes England agrees debt facility deal with land promoter

Homes England has agreed a multi‑million‑pound debt facility between its new National Housing Bank and independent land promoter Richborough, described as the “first partnership of its kind” by the agency.

The flexible facility fund aims to boost the supply of consented land for SMEs, housing associations and large housebuilders.

A spokesperson for Homes England described the exact investment figure as “commercially sensitive” but confirmed the facility would provide “tens of millions pounds” in funding.

It is expected to accelerate the delivery of consented land equating to more than 26,000 homes by 2030, with a gross development value of more than £8bn.

The agency launched its National Housing Bank at the end of last month – a vehicle operating as part of Homes England. It will provide flexible, government-backed financing across funds and partnerships to accelerate housing and regeneration projects that would otherwise be financially unviable.

Paul Campbell, chief executive at Richborough said: “Decision times for major planning applications are taking three times longer now than in 2014 and against this backdrop, flexible long-term capital is essential.

“This facility gives us the confidence to invest earlier in more sites, maintain momentum through the planning process, and bring forward high-quality, well-designed schemes that can be built quickly once consented.”

In 2026, Richborough plans to submit more than 30 applications for schemes totalling around 12,500 new homes.

The business submitted applications for around 9,000 homes in 2025, completing sales to housebuilders including Barratt Redrow, Bellway, Bromford, Charles Church, Vistry Group and Taylor Wimpey.