GREENBELT, the Glasgow-based land management company, is set to almost double the amount of properties where it has customers after a surge of growth in the south of England housebuilding market.

Maryhill-headquartered Greenbelt has agreed to undertake ownership responsibilities and look after facilities on a number of new residential developments.

These developments will add a further 40,000 houses being built to Greenbelt’s existing 55,000 customer base.

The land management aspect of the business largely focuses on maintaining open spaces in new housing estates. Greenbelt also maintains sustainable urban drainage systems (SUDS) to guard against flooding, as well as providing servicing of landscapes, roads and lighting and play facilities.

Its average annual maintenance charge to households is £135.

Greenbelt’s chief executive Alex Middleton said that with local authorities often not having the resources to take over and maintain the open space in new housing estates gives the business opportunity.

“People generally understand the pressure on local authorities,” he said. “They understand why local authorities struggle to take on the upkeep of open spaces. Many authorities simply don’t have that expertise – especially for vital components, such as flood management.”