THE BARTONS PERSPECTIVE

Insight for your next move.

Explore our thinking on planning, land, development and viability.

51 articles

Financial Viability

Financial viability in 2026: how recognised methodology can streamline negotiations

How current government policy and RICS standards help developers present clearer viability evidence and streamline S106 and affordable housing negotiations.

1 October 2026

Financial Viability

Bartons’ bespoke viability software: capturing the full justified cost of development

How Bartons combines bespoke viability software with professional analysis to identify development cost allowances and present a defensible appraisal.

1 October 2026

Financial Viability

Financial Viability at Land Acquisition: Buying Development Land at the Right Price

Discover how Bartons uses financial viability assessments, development appraisals and residual land value analysis to help developers establish the right land price before acquisition.

29 September 2026

Financial Viability

Financial Viability Before Planning: Designing a Development That Can Make a Commercial Profit

Bartons helps developers assess financial viability before planning submission, testing affordable housing, S106, costs, land value and developer profit to create commercially deliverable schemes.

29 September 2026

Financial Viability

S106 Viability During Construction: Renegotiating Affordable Housing When a Development Becomes Unviable

Is an S106 affordable housing obligation making your development unviable? Bartons advises developers on viability reviews, RP offers, payments in lieu and S106 deeds of variation.

29 September 2026

Professional Services

Masterplanning with Caution: Navigating the Influence of Council Design Officers in Development Projects

Masterplanning with Caution: Navigating the Influence of Council Design Officers in Development Projects Masterplanning is a cornerstone of any successful development, setting the framework that defines the project’s layout, funct

05 November 2024

Training

WHITE PAPER – Land Acquisition Deal Sequence and Negotiation Tactics

Land Acquisition Deal Sequence and Negotiation Tactics Introduction Acquiring land for development constitutes one of the most intricate and demanding aspects of property development. Effective land acquisition requires not only a

14 October 2024

Housing Policy

Economic Sustainability in Housebuilding and Development: A Blueprint for Resilient Growth

Economic Sustainability in Housebuilding and Development: A Blueprint for Resilient Growth Economic sustainability is a cornerstone of successful housing development. It refers to the capacity of a project to remain financially vi

11 October 2024

Housing Policy

Environmental Sustainability in Housebuilding and Development: The Path to Responsible and Profitable Growth

Environmental Sustainability in Housebuilding and Development: The Path to Responsible and Profitable Growth In the evolving landscape of housing development, environmental sustainability has emerged as a crucial element not just

11 October 2024

Housing Policy

Social Sustainability in Housebuilding and Development: A Key to Maximising Value

Social Sustainability in Housebuilding and Development: A Key to Maximising Value In today’s dynamic landscape of housing development, social sustainability is no longer just a buzzword—it’s an essential component of creating thri

11 October 2024

Financial Viability

Brownfield Passports: Unlocking the Development Potential of Urban Land

Brownfield Passports: Unlocking the Development Potential of Urban Land The recent unveiling of the Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government (MHCLG) policy paper titled Brownfield Passport: Making the Most of Urban Land

11 October 2024

Housing Policy

The Emerging Housing Landscape 2024: Opportunities for SME Developers in Smaller Settlements

The Emerging Housing Landscape 2024: Opportunities for SME Developers in Smaller Settlements The landscape of housing delivery in England is rapidly evolving, with new opportunities emerging for developers willing to adapt. Recent

11 October 2024

Digital Marketing

The Evolution of Digital Marketing: How It Can Benefit Housebuilders and Developers

The Evolution of Digital Marketing: How It Can Complement Traditional Land Finding Methods for Housebuilders and Developers The world of marketing has evolved significantly over the last two decades. As traditional media channels

10 October 2024

Planning Policy

Ecological Calendars and Development Timing

Why Ecological Calendars Are Crucial in Planning and Development Programs In the world of planning and development, timing is everything. This principle doesn’t only apply to construction schedules and financial milestones but als

09 October 2024

Financial Viability

S106 Viability: Clawback Mechanisms

Section 106 Viability: Navigating Clawback Mechanisms in Post-Development Reviews The planning and development landscape in the UK is shaped by the balancing act between development profitability and contributions to local infrast

09 October 2024

Planning Policy

Ancient Woodland & Drainage

Managing Drainage Outfalls in Ancient Woodland Buffers: Navigating Ecological and Planning Challenges One of the more intricate challenges in the planning and development process is managing drainage infrastructure, particularly w

09 October 2024

Planning Policy

Ancient Woodland & Development

How Ancient Woodland and Veteran Trees Impact Development: Key Considerations for Maximizing Value When considering a development project, especially in rural or semi-rural settings, one of the most critical ecological constraints

09 October 2024

Planning Policy

Planning Reform 2024

Planning Reform 2024: Key Implications for Developers and Landowners The planning landscape in the UK is poised for a major shift in 2024, following the proposed updates to the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF). With the n

09 October 2024

Planning Policy

Biodiversity Net Gain

Understanding Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG): Unlocking New Opportunities for Landowners and Developers In recent years, Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) has emerged as a transformative concept within the UK’s planning and development fra

09 October 2024

Digital Marketing

Digital Marketing for Developers

Developer Digital Marketing: How Bartons Can Help You Succeed Online In today’s fast-paced property development landscape, a robust digital marketing strategy is essential for securing prime land opportunities and maximising visib

08 October 2024

Housing Policy

What is Affordable Housing?

Demystifying Affordable Housing in Planning and Development Affordable housing is often a misunderstood aspect of property development, yet it plays a crucial role in addressing the housing needs of communities across the UK. At B

08 October 2024

Planning Policy

What is Brownfield Land?

Understanding Brownfield Land in Planning and Development In the world of property development, the concept of brownfield land is pivotal, particularly when assessing a site’s potential for residential or commercial projects. As B

21 August 2024

Property Law

Land Contracts

Understanding contracts As a landowner, the opportunity to unlock the value of your land can be exciting yet challenging. The potential for development brings the prospect of significant financial returns, but it also requires car

21 August 2024

Planning Policy

What is Greenfield Land?

Understanding Greenfield Land in Planning and Development When considering land for development, it is crucial to understand the various categories that impact the planning process and the value of a project. One such category is

20 June 2024

Housing Policy

One-to-One Mentoring: Tailored Guidance for Mastering Land Acquisition and Planning

One-to-One Mentoring: Tailored Guidance for Mastering Land Acquisition and Planning In the complex world of land acquisition and planning, every professional faces unique challenges and opportunities. The need for targeted, bespok

15 June 2024

Housing Policy

Live Online Sessions: Interactive Training for Mastering Land Acquisition and Planning

Live Online Sessions: Interactive Training for Mastering Land Acquisition and Planning In the dynamic world of land acquisition and planning, the ability to adapt, understand, and apply best practices in real-time is critical. Bar

15 June 2024

Housing Policy

Enhancing Your Planning Knowledge Through Bartons E-Learning: A Comprehensive Guide

Enhancing Your Planning Knowledge Through Bartons E-Learning: A Comprehensive Guide In the ever-changing world of land acquisition and planning, continuous learning and skill development are key to staying ahead. For professionals

15 June 2024

Housing Policy

Strategic Land Investment: Empowering Property Investors to Maximise Returns

Strategic Land Investment: Empowering Property Investors to Maximise Returns For property investors, the potential rewards of strategic land investments are substantial, but so are the risks. Success lies in identifying the right

15 May 2024

Housing Policy

Maximising Land Acquisition Success: Advanced Training for Land Buyers

Maximising Land Acquisition Success: Advanced Training for Land Buyers For land buyers, the difference between a successful acquisition and an abortive cost lies in precision, understanding, and strategy. To create a sustainable p

15 May 2024

Housing Policy

Empowering Land Agents: Enhancing Land Acquisition Training for Greater Success

Empowering Land Agents: Enhancing Land Acquisition Training for Greater Success In the competitive field of land acquisition, land agents play a critical role in bridging the gap between landowners and developers, ensuring opportu

15 May 2024

Developer

Email Campaigns: Nurturing Leads and Building Long-term Relationships

Email Campaigns: Nurturing Leads and Building Long-term Relationships In the property development sector, generating land leads is just the beginning. Nurturing those leads effectively is key to converting potential opportunities

14 April 2024

Developer

Social Media Management: Engaging Landowners and Building Authority

Social Media Management: Engaging Landowners and Building Authority In the competitive world of property development, securing new land leads requires more than traditional marketing methods. Social media has become a powerful too

14 April 2024

Developer

Content Creation & SEO Management: Securing Land Leads Beyond Traditional Methods

Content Creation & SEO Management: Securing Land Leads Beyond Traditional Methods In an ever-evolving market, developers and housebuilders are increasingly recognising the need to innovate beyond traditional approaches to secure n

14 April 2024

Developer

S106 Viability Services

S106 Viability: A Developer Perspective Introduction Section 106 agreements (S106), often seen as a pivotal component in the planning and development process, are designed to mitigate the impact of development and ensure that the

14 April 2024

Developer

Condition Discharge Management: Ensuring Compliance and Streamlining Development

Condition Discharge Management: Ensuring Compliance and Streamlining Development In the development process, securing planning permission is a significant milestone, but it is only the beginning. Planning permissions often come wi

14 March 2024

Developer

Master Planning Design Guidance: Delivering Sustainable and Effective Development Layouts

Master Planning Design Guidance: Delivering Sustainable and Effective Development Layouts Effective master planning is at the core of successful development, offering a strategic vision that balances the need for growth with consi

14 March 2024

Developer

Strategic Land Promotion: Unlocking Development Potential with Bartons

Strategic Land Promotion: Unlocking Development Potential with Bartons Strategic land promotion is a critical aspect of property development, offering developers the opportunity to unlock significant value by securing allocations

14 March 2024

Landowner

Bartons Planning Appeals Services for Landowners

Bartons Planning Appeals Services for Landowners Challenge planning refusals with Bartons’ expert appeal services. At Bartons Planning & Development Consultancy, we specialise in helping landowners navigate the planning appeal pro

14 February 2024

Landowner

Bartons Planning Application Services for Landowners

Bartons Planning Application Services for Landowners Secure planning permission for your land with our expert planning application services. At Bartons Planning & Development Consultancy, we specialise in helping landowners naviga

14 February 2024

Landowner

Bartons Local Plan Representation Services for Landowners

Bartons Local Plan Representation Services for Landowners Maximise the potential of your land through strategic local plan representations. At Bartons Planning & Development Consultancy, we specialise in promoting land through the

14 February 2024

Landowner

Bartons Heads of Terms Negotiation Services for Landowners

Bartons Heads of Terms Negotiation Services for Landowners Secure the best deal for your land with our expert negotiation services. At Bartons Planning & Development Consultancy, we represent landowners in negotiations with houseb

14 February 2024

Landowner

Bartons Valuation Appraisal Services for Landowners

Bartons Valuation Appraisal Services for Landowners Understand your land’s value with our expert valuation appraisals. At Bartons Planning & Development Consultancy, we offer comprehensive valuation appraisals to provide landowner

14 February 2024

Landowner

Bartons Planning Feasibility Services for Landowners

Bartons Planning Feasibility Services for Landowners Evaluate your land’s potential with our in-depth planning feasibility studies. We identify opportunities and constraints, providing strategic advice to optimise land use and sec

14 February 2024

Sustainable Development

Bartons’ Sustainability Pledge: Building Healthy, Vibrant Communities for the Future

Bartons’ Sustainability Pledge: Building Healthy, Vibrant Communities for the Future At Bartons Planning & Development Consultancy, sustainability is more than just a commitment—it is a guiding principle embedded in every project

15 January 2024

Homeowner

Bartons Project Management Service

Bartons Project Management Service At Bartons Planning & Development Consultancy, we provide a complete Project Management service for homeowners and developers looking to navigate the planning process efficiently. Our expert team

14 January 2024

Homeowner

Bartons Enforcement and Retrospective Applications Service

Bartons Enforcement and Retrospective Applications Service Planning issues can be stressful, particularly when it comes to enforcement action by the Local Planning Authority (LPA). At Bartons Planning & Development Consultancy, we

14 January 2024

Homeowner

Bartons Lawful Use Certificates Service

Bartons Lawful Use Certificates Service For homeowners, understanding planning regulations can sometimes be overwhelming, especially when it comes to establishing whether an existing or proposed use of land or buildings is lawful.

14 January 2024

Homeowner

Bartons Planning Appeal Service

Bartons Planning Appeals Service Securing planning permission can sometimes be challenging, and even the most well-prepared applications may face refusal. At Bartons Planning & Development Consultancy, we understand how dishearten

14 January 2024

Homeowner

Bartons Planning Appraisal Service

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

14 January 2024

Homeowner

Bartons Planning Application Service

Bartons Planning Application Service Navigating the planning application process can be complex and time-consuming, especially if you are unfamiliar with the intricacies of planning regulations. At Bartons Planning & Development C

14 January 2024

Training

A Career at Bartons: Join One of the Fastest Growing Multidisciplinary Consultancies

A Career at Bartons: Join One of the Fastest Growing Multidisciplinary Consultancies Are you ready to shape the future of sustainable development while advancing your career on your own terms? At Bartons Planning & Development Con

01 January 2024