Bartons Planning Appraisal Service

At Bartons Planning & Development Consultancy, we understand that assessing the potential of a development site is crucial before making substantial investments. Our Planning Appraisal service is designed to provide developers and landowners with a clear and detailed understanding of the planning and financial viability of a site. This comprehensive evaluation helps to illuminate both the opportunities and potential constraints of a proposed development, allowing informed decision-making that maximises return on investment.

What Is a Planning Appraisal?

A planning appraisal is a systematic assessment of a site’s development potential, taking into consideration a variety of technical, regulatory, and financial factors. It plays an essential role in the early stages of any property development process. By conducting a thorough review of planning policies, land law, access, and the financial viability of a project, Bartons ensures that our clients are well-positioned to make the right choices for their investment.

Key Components of a Planning Appraisal

Bartons’ Planning Appraisal services provide a comprehensive evaluation that encompasses several critical aspects. Below, we explore what these components include:

1. Assessment of Planning Policies

The planning policy framework is the backbone of any potential development project. In our Planning Appraisals, we conduct a rigorous assessment of both national and local planning policies that affect the site in question. This includes an evaluation of the Local Development Plan, relevant Supplementary Planning Documents (SPDs), and other guidance documents that may influence the development.

We take into account the site’s location and how it aligns with strategic planning objectives, including the presumption in favour of sustainable development where applicable. We also consider any site-specific allocations or designations that may impact the development potential, such as Green Belt, Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), or flood risk zones. Bartons’ in-depth knowledge of planning policy allows us to advise clients on how to navigate these challenges and optimise the likelihood of securing planning permission.

Planning Constraints and Opportunities

In addition to examining planning policies, our appraisals identify the planning constraints that may affect the site, such as protected species, heritage assets, or significant tree coverage. These constraints can pose challenges, but they can also present opportunities for innovative and sympathetic design solutions. Bartons will help you identify mitigation strategies to address these challenges and capitalise on the opportunities, ensuring that your development can progress in a way that meets planning requirements and community expectations.

2. Land Law Considerations

Land law considerations are often a fundamental aspect of determining a site’s suitability for development. Bartons’ Planning Appraisals take into account critical elements such as ownership details, covenants, easements, rights of way, and any other legal encumbrances that may affect the ability to develop the site.

Understanding the legal status of a site is key to avoiding costly complications down the line. For example, an unknown covenant may restrict building heights or land uses, while existing easements could impose limitations on access points or infrastructure placements. Our appraisals provide clarity on these matters, empowering developers to proceed with a clear understanding of their rights and obligations.

3. Access and Infrastructure Assessment

Access to the site is a crucial factor that can significantly impact planning prospects and overall development costs. Our Planning Appraisals include a thorough analysis of the existing and potential access points to ensure compliance with highways regulations and other statutory requirements.

Bartons evaluates whether the current access arrangements are sufficient for the proposed development or whether modifications, such as road widening or new access routes, may be necessary. We also assess the proximity and capacity of local infrastructure, including roads, utilities, and public services, all of which play a critical role in determining the feasibility of a site.

Where new infrastructure or access arrangements are required, Bartons provides insight into the associated costs and timescales. We work closely with transport consultants and highways authorities to ensure that any access solutions proposed are compliant with planning requirements and feasible within your project’s financial framework.

4. Financial Viability Assessment

An essential aspect of our Planning Appraisals is assessing the financial viability of the development. At Bartons, we understand that even a site with favourable planning conditions must also demonstrate profitability to be worthwhile. Our appraisals take into account development costs, including infrastructure, planning obligations, and construction, against the potential end value to determine the project’s viability.

We work with cost consultants to provide a realistic estimate of the costs associated with bringing the site forward for development. This includes the assessment of Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) liabilities, Section 106 contributions, and any other financial obligations likely to arise. Our goal is to ensure that our clients have a clear understanding of potential costs and revenues so that informed decisions can be made regarding the overall financial viability of the project.

Bartons also takes into consideration market conditions, comparable land values, and potential sales or rental income for the completed development. By conducting a detailed market analysis, we provide our clients with a well-rounded financial picture that helps to assess the attractiveness of pursuing planning consent and eventual development.

The Barton Approach: Expertise, Clarity, and Results

Our approach to Planning Appraisals is founded on three core principles: expertise, clarity, and results.

• Expertise: Bartons brings a wealth of experience in the planning and development sector, allowing us to identify opportunities that others may miss and navigate complex planning landscapes with ease.
• Clarity: Our Planning Appraisals are designed to be clear, comprehensive, and actionable. We provide our clients with transparent reports that outline the development prospects and the steps required to achieve success.
• Results: We aim to achieve the best possible outcomes for our clients. Our Planning Appraisals are designed to maximise the value of the site and minimise potential risks, ensuring that developers can proceed with confidence.

Why Choose Bartons for Your Planning Appraisal?

Engaging Bartons for your Planning Appraisal provides you with peace of mind that all aspects of a site’s potential are being evaluated in detail. Our holistic approach ensures that every critical factor—from planning policy compliance to infrastructure considerations and financial feasibility—is addressed comprehensively. Whether you are a landowner seeking to assess development potential or a developer looking to acquire a new site, Bartons provides you with a strong foundation on which to base your decisions.

We work closely with our clients to understand their unique objectives and tailor our appraisals accordingly. Our collaborative process ensures that clients are kept informed at every stage and that our recommendations are aligned with their goals.

Contact Us

Ready to explore the potential of your development site? Bartons Planning & Development Consultancy is here to provide expert advice and support every step of the way. Contact us today to arrange a free consultation and find out how we can help you achieve your development goals.