development plans
housing studies
applications and appeals
promoting development
sustainable development
urban design
economic growth strategies
participation
sustainability appraisal
viability studies & affordable housing
the Baker Associates approach
Baker Associates carries out reliable and properly considered housing viability studies which are invaluable in helping local planning authorities to counter challenges from developers over sites in development plans. We also carry out reliable and well-informed valuations and viability affordable housing appraisals for the proportion of affordable housing sought in housing policies.
Our studies are particularly useful where your sites are previously developed. Contamination, remediation and demolition costs can limit the ability of developers to provide affordable housing, by bringing the land value below the alternative land use.
We also handle negotiations on planning obligations (Section 106 agreements) for affordable housing on behalf of developers
Our viability studies analyse:
- the effects of land values, competing uses and abnormal development costs
- potential housing allocations and the ability of development sites to deliver
- availability, market potential and economic viability
- the views of developers and agents familiar with the local market
- relationships between land values and abnormal development costs.
our work
Viability work has included a viability study of housing allocations for the South Hams District Local Plan. This included an assessment of the financial viability of all the housing allocations in the Local Plan in the context of a challengingly high proportion of affordable housing sought through the Plan, and demonstrated viability for sites with a high percentage of affordable housing together with other elements of a community gain package.
Other viability studies include:
- We are currently engaged upon viability work for Torbay Council which will ensure that current and future policy is not so onerous, particularly in terms of affordable housing requirements, that it prevents sites from coming forward. To test viability a series of valuation and viability exercises (Model Spreadsheets) have been developed that consider a range of typical development circumstances. This work was undertaken with a Stakeholder Group of developers and agents.
- We have been retained by Councils to consider individual site planning applications with viability appraisals and negotiations with applicants and agents to support the level of affordable housing sought by the Council.
Affordable housing work includes:
- study of potential affordable housing delivery for Caradon District Council
- Supplementary Planning Guidance on affordable housing for South Hams District Council
- negotiate levels of affordable housing on sites promoted through the planning system
For more information on how we can help contact Nigel Clark
0117 933 8950 or nclark@bakerassocs.com
