Lodders’ Real Estate Group has acted for Spitfire Homes in the strategic acquisition of land in Bishop’s Cleeve, Cheltenham, which is to become home to a David Lloyd Club alongside the Fairmont residential development.
Lodders’ James Mottram and Lauren Pearson were instructed by Spitfire in 2021 to advise on the acquisition of the land at the foot of the Cleeve Hills in Gloucestershire for mixed residential and commercial use. Since then, Lodders has advised on all aspects of the residential development, including 215 plot sales, as well as facilitating a deal with Chase Commercial Ltd and David Lloyd.
David Lloyd land deal
When Spitfire acquired the land, it entered into a contract with Chase, which was conditional on Chase obtaining planning permission for the construction of commercial units alongside Spitfire’s planned residential development at Bishop’s Cleeve. Exchange of this contract took place in July 2023, and Chase commenced its planning promotion and subsequently obtained planning permission for industrial units at the site.
Following exchange of the conditional contract, David Lloyd Leisure approached the parties regarding a potential contract enabling Chase to acquire the site, conditional on obtaining planning permission for a David Lloyd Club complex there. Both parties agreed to this, and Lodders assisted in the facilitation of the deal by amending and restructuring documentation and agreeing key matters. The Real Estate Group was also instructed on a Section 106 agreement – a requirement for the planning authority to grant planning permission to David Lloyd.
A perfect example of effective mixed-use development
In summer 2025, David Lloyd successfully secured planning permission and the sale to Chase, and the immediate forward sale to David Lloyd was completed in November. The new flagship David Lloyd Club will feature indoor and outdoor swimming pools, learner pools, tennis courts, six padel courts, two sports halls, a fully equipped gym, fitness studios, children’s soft play and an extensive spa with relaxation pools, sauna and steam facilities. Business lounges and terraced areas will also form part of the scheme.
Lauren Pearson, senior associate in the Real Estate Group, said: “We were pleased to support our client Spitfire Homes on this deal, and help secure a premium leisure facility for the site that adds further value to the area and will be a great asset for the adjacent residential development. This work has involved a number of complexities including the restructuring of agreements, an overage arrangement, and key documentation, as well as extensive negotiation and liaison with third parties. The site is a perfect example of effective mixed-use development, with residents of Spitfire’s stylish one- to five-bedroom homes set to benefit from brand new amenities on site.”
Strategic land legal expertise
Lodders’ award-winning residential land development team provides expert legal advice, underpinned by sound commercial knowledge of every stage of the development process. Our team acts for landowners, land promoters, and independent housebuilders and developers on all aspects of the land development process, from acquisition through to site set-up and plot sales. Click here for further information or get in touch today.
Contact us
Contact us
Need more advice?
For help with a legal problem or more information on any of our services at Lodders, please get in touch with our friendly team. You can contact us via the number or email address below, or fill in the form and we will get back to you as quickly as we can.
