About Us

St John Homes (Thames Valley) was set up in October 2016. The business is based at Hedsor Park Farm in Taplow, Bucks.

The business was founded by David Jacobs BSc (Hons), who has held senior positions with other well regarded developers in the local area with his previous position being held as Land Director for Berkeley Homes (Western) Ltd for 5 years.

Our objective is to identify and secure high quality residential and/or mixed use redevelopment opportunities, primarily within the counties of Berks, Bucks, Oxon, North Hants and Surrey. We would also consider other potential slightly further afield if the development opportunity is of sufficient quality.

In terms of the decision - making process, we have the ability to proceed quickly without some of the frustrating delays that can occur with the larger PLC companies. Together with our detailed knowledge of our operational area, this also provides a sound platform for us to proceed quickly and produce schemes of optimum value in terms of mix, coverage and design which suite the locality.

St John Homes (Thames Valley) also understand that property is generally ones main asset and as such we recognise that each project requires the same commitment, attention and focus in order to seek to realise the enhanced value for the landowner.

In terms of the planning application process, we view this as a partnership between the landowner and the developer working together to achieve and deliver the enhanced value. We pride ourselves on keeping the Landowner informed at all relevant material stages of the planning process.

Experience 

The land acquisition and planning process is headed up by our Land & Planning Director – David Jacobs BSc (Hons) who has over 20 years of experience within our operational area.

Previous experience includes positions with well - known companies have included well-known brands such as: Berkeley Homes (Western) Ltd – Land Director for 5 years, Banner Homes, St John Homes (Southern) Ltd – Director for 5 years, Shanly Homes – (Thames Valley) Ltd – Land Director for 3.5 years.

Our the past 20 years our Land & Planning Director has been involved in the successful acquisition of a variety of sites ranging from single plots to residential and/or mixed use developments of several hundred dwellings with complex off site infrastructure requirements.

The planning process has become increasingly more challenging with many Local Authorities currently in the process of updating their Local Plans and with many areas also preparing or adopting Neighbourhood Plans. However, whilst the planning process is challenging, this also presents opportunities and local experience is vital to unlock this potential. For each project, specialist external consultants will be appointed (where required) to assist the project team in delivering the development proposal. 

With the focus of our developments being located in brownfield sites, invariably located within an established community, we feel that it is important to engage with local communities and key stakeholders to listen to local concerns and aspirations. By holding community planning events this helps to understand the local feedback to our proposals and to review the development scheme (where possible), thereby assisting with the planning delivery process.

The need to provide more housing continues to be high up on the political agenda at both a local and national level. We believe that this presents opportunities, but the basic principles of the need to provide the right homes in the right places and of good quality design still remains.