IM Land, the strategic residential land arm of IM Properties, has appointed Christy McLean as Senior Strategic Land Manager to help expand its development pipeline.
McLean joins from Bellway, where he was Strategic Land Manager, and will focus on securing larger, multi-phase schemes through freehold acquisitions and promotion agreements with landowners.
The business is targeting complex sites where its financial backing and experience in delivering upfront infrastructure can unlock development.
The appointment follows a busy period for IM Land, which has submitted planning applications for around 3,685 homes across the country. These include two sites in the Midlands and South-West that have now gained consent, with discussions underway to secure development partners.
Richard Knight, UK Residential Delivery Director at IM Land, said: “Christy’s appointment builds on an active period for the business, strengthening our capacity to secure new opportunities while we continue to progress our existing portfolio.
“Our strong financial base and experienced team enable us to take on larger, more complex schemes, working closely with landowners, councils, agents and professional advisors to de-risk sites for housebuilders while maximising returns for our landowners.
“Christy brings valuable strategic land acquisition experience and shares our commitment to building strong relationships and delivering high-quality places.”
McLean grew up near IM Properties’ Blythe Valley Park scheme in Solihull, where IM Land secured planning permission for 750 homes and delivered a neighbourhood centre. The residential development helped transform the wider park into a destination for both working and living and played a key role in his decision to join.
He said: “I was always impressed by what was achieved at Blythe Valley Park. The opportunity to find land where we can deliver something of a similar calibre was a big attraction.
“Working as a promoter gives us the opportunity to build strong, long-term relationships with landowners, understand their priorities and shape an approach that delivers the best outcome for them.
“IM Properties’ Sustainable Futures strategy also appealed to me, particularly its emphasis on People, Planet and Place. The focus on wellbeing and doing the right thing, balanced with commercial success, reflects the kind of business I wanted to join.
“We’re actively looking to expand our pipeline and would welcome conversations with both new and existing contacts regarding potential opportunities and our acquisition requirements.”
Established in 2016, IM Land has promoted and developed strategic sites across the Midlands, South East and South West. Its track record includes Blythe Valley Park in Solihull, Ensleigh in Bath, Spencer’s Farm in Maidenhead and land near Curborough in Lichfield.
