Planning guidance on viability assessments

Developers will be expected to provide or contribute towards mitigation measures and infrastructure provision where the need arises as a result of their proposed development. Applicants should make themselves aware of the likely planning obligation requirements at the earliest opportunity to ensure that these requirements are reflected in any land value assumptions and site layouts.

Where applicants are of the view that viability is an issue, they will need to submit an ‘open book’ viability appraisal to the Council in accordance with the checklist in the Council’s Planning Obligations Supplementary Planning Guidance. 

The Council will seek independent verification to review viability information which has been provided, such as from the District Valuer Services (DVS). The cost of this verification will be met by the applicant.