Jonathan and Kieron take a look at the intricate relationship between archaeology, heritage, and property development. Following their previous discussions on the challenges faced by developers, they explore the importance of preserving historical sites while still delivering modern housing solutions. The conversation highlights real-life experiences, such as dealing with ransom strips and navigating the complexities of listed buildings and conservation areas. KEY TAKEAWAYS Developers should be aware of ransom strips—small pieces of land that may be necessary for access or development. Early communication with landowners is crucial to negotiate terms and avoid unexpected complications. When developing properties, especially in areas with historical significance, it's essential to balance preserving heritage with modern development needs. Engaging with heritage consultants can help navigate these complexities. Conduct thorough research on potential development sites, including checking for archaeological sensitivity and historical significance. Utilising local council interactive maps can provide valuable insights into the site's history. Renovating or developing listed buildings often incurs higher costs due to the need for specialised materials and techniques. Developers should factor in these additional expenses when budgeting for projects. Developers should consider holding community meetings to inform local residents about their plans, especially when working on heritage sites. This can help build trust and mitigate potential opposition to the development. BEST MOMENTS "Every developer dreads the words, archaeological survey required. It's a dread. But it comes with others as well. There's geology and there's others that need investigation." "We need to highlight that strongly. Great Britain is great for a reason. We've got these temporal layers of beautiful architecture." "It's a fine balance when you're analysing a deal and land value. If you're looking to take on that risk, double it and add some." "If it's handled badly, that can damage your reputation as a developer. So to manage risk, definitely do your homework at the very beginning stage." "There are properties out there that people listed for some reason, they just didn't need to be and they shouldn't have been." HOST BIOS Jonathan is a property developer and entrepreneur with a background in finance and construction. Originally from South Africa, he holds degrees in Accounting and Auditing and relocated to England in 2003. He gained financial and operational experience at firms such as RSM, Prudential, and Baker Tilly before transitioning into property. Since 2014, Jonathan has managed major commercial-to-residential conversions and new build developments, particularly across the South West. His analytical mindset and on-the-ground experience help listeners navigate the property world with confidence. Kieron is a construction expert and entrepreneur with over 20 years of industry experience. Starting as a mason, he went on to found Shepherd Construction in 2012, delivering projects across both the public and private sectors. From extensions to luxury new builds, Kieron has earned a reputation for quality, precision, and strong leadership. As Managing Director, he’s involved in every stage—from design to delivery—offering a no-nonsense, deeply practical perspective to anyone looking to build with success. https://www.facebook.com/jonathan.stobbs.7/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathanstobbs/ https://www.facebook.com/kieron.shepherd.73 https://www.linkedin.com/in/kieron-shepherd-83b979aa/ https://www.propertydevelopersplaybook.co.uk/