A Property Development company committed to transforming underutilised spaces into vibrant residential homes
Welcome
Stortford Developments is a property development company, based in and around Hertfordshire, specialising in transforming underutilised commercial spaces into residential homes that enhance the fabric of local communities. With a focus on sustainable and thoughtful development, our mission is to address the housing shortage in the UK by creating modern homes that enrich the lives of residents.​​
Our team combines James' energy and hands-on expertise with Richard's strategic wisdom. Together, this father-son duo brings innovation and experience to every project, blending fresh ideas with time-tested strategies. While James drives day-to-day operations and project management, Richard provides a guiding voice and seasoned insights, gained through years of experience in business and social entrepreneurship.​
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Driven by a commitment to excellence and community impact, Stortford Developments approaches each project with a focus on smart, efficient planning. We embrace permitted development rights to streamline processes, recognising potential in existing structures and converting them into high-quality, affordable housing. Our vision extends beyond profit; we aim to contribute positively to urban regeneration and to support sustainable housing solutions for the future.
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Meet the team
James Morris
James is the operational engine of Stortford Developments, handling the daily management of projects and the intricacies of property transformation. With a background in engineering and a commitment to intelligent problem-solving, he prioritises thoughtful planning over brute-force approaches. His passion for continuous learning, combined with his pursuit of personal and spiritual growth, shapes his unique approach to leadership and project management.
Richard Morris
With a wealth of experience in business and social entrepreneurship, Richard serves as the guiding force at Stortford Developments. His career includes co-founding a Silicon Valley startup that scaled to over 1,200 employees, went public, and achieved a valuation exceeding $2 billion. Now enjoying a more advisory role, Richard brings the stability of seasoned guidance, informed by his 20 years of charity work with The Giving Machine. His role is to offer strategic direction, insights, and connections, ensuring the company's goals align with sustainable and impactful outcomes.
Our Vision as a team
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Together, James and Richard create a balanced team, where youthful energy meets strategic oversight. They are committed to Stortford Developments not only as a business but as a vehicle for positive change. Both dedicated to self-care and giving back to society, they view each project as a chance to make a difference — transforming spaces, uplifting communities, and building a better future.
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​This team at the helm effectively coordinates all consultants and professionals, from initial planning through to project completion. With our project manager closely in tow, they ensure that every phase—from theory to construction—runs smoothly and efficiently. This cohesive, hands-on approach brings all areas of expertise together, enabling us to deliver high-quality, impactful projects that fulfill our mission.
​Stortford Developments is committed to creating a meaningful impact by converting underutilised commercial spaces into residential homes. Our purpose is driven by the UK’s urgent need for housing, and we aim to address this demand by offering viable, responsible solutions that repurpose existing properties rather than developing on new land.
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Our values​
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Playing smarter - In an industry where brute force often replaces strategic insight, we focus on intelligent, impactful action. At Stortford Developments, we avoid over-engineering and unnecessary problem-solving, prioritising time and resources on what matters most. Using permitted development rights allows us to move confidently, bypassing lengthy planning processes and ensuring each step is efficient and meaningful. This approach lets us create real value with agility—making smart moves that are better aligned with both community needs and regulatory support.
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Seeing the big picture - Our projects are part of a larger vision for thoughtful urban transformation. Housing and community development intersect with many social, economic, and environmental factors, and we strive to honour these connections. While our broader ambition includes modular housing and innovative approaches, today’s funding and market realities guide us to conversions, where the housing need is most urgent. With thousands of commercial spaces now vacant, we step into this gap to serve both the immediate needs of communities and a more sustainable, resilient future.
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Recognising potential - We see each project as an opportunity for transformation. Where others may see outdated commercial spaces, we see homes waiting to emerge. By reimagining underutilised properties, we meet housing needs without disturbing green spaces, revitalising areas through creative reuse. This work isn’t about replacing the old; it’s about elevating existing assets to serve community needs, redefining development as a process of honouring the past while creating space for the future.
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Pushing for better - Excellence is our standard. In every project and partnership, we push ourselves and our collaborators to go beyond expectations, consistently re-evaluating our processes to ensure we’re working at the highest level. Betterment is a continuous journey for us, and while we may not always reach perfection, we are fully committed to improvement. This pursuit of excellence reflects our deep responsibility to clients, partners, and communities—to meet present needs while setting a new standard for the future.
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Our commitment to the community
Our projects are driven by a core commitment to uplift communities. We aim to work with those who need support—property owners seeking new options and future homeowners struggling to find accessible housing. By enhancing property values, supporting local infrastructure, and revitalising areas, we create not only homes but also opportunities for growth and belonging. Community impact isn’t an afterthought for us; it’s the foundation of everything we do, guiding each project and partnership.
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Operating area
Based in Hertfordshire, Stortford Developments operates in the surrounding counties, extending our reach to areas north of London, including Luton, Cambridge, Colchester, and Tottenham. We choose areas where our impact can be felt most, supporting community development across this growing region.
FAQs
What types of properties do we focus on?
We specialise in unlisted commercial and light industrial buildings, converting them into up to six residential units per project. We target properties near residential areas where housing demand already exists, so our conversions directly benefit and integrate into the established community.
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What kind of investment opportunities do we offer?
Investors can expect a secured, long-term investment with dependable returns above typical bank rates, all while contributing to projects that address the UK's housing needs. Our investment terms vary by project, so please get in touch to discuss how you can be a part of our mission to revitalise communities.
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How do we contribute to community revitalisation?
Our mission is to revitalise underutilised properties, providing quality housing for first-time buyers and others who are currently underserved in the market. By improving these spaces, we aim to uplift the local environment, support property values, and bring new energy to neighbourhoods in need of regeneration.
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What is the benefit of using permitted development rights?
Using permitted development rights allows us to bypass lengthy full planning approvals, giving us greater certainty and control over project timelines. By working within this framework, we can select properties that align with our criteria for approval, providing a faster and more predictable path to project completion.
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Who do we work with?
We welcome partnerships with property owners ready to sell and invest in development, as well as local councils interested in urban regeneration initiatives. Whether you’re looking to collaborate on a specific project or interested in the broader community impact we’re creating, let’s explore how we can work together to make a meaningful difference.
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Where do we operate?
We are primarily based in Hertfordshire, with our work extending to surrounding areas north of London. In the area between Luton, Cambridge, Colchester, and Tottenham, we focus on areas where our developments can best support housing demand and local community growth.