Viable Placemaking were pleased to support a planning application for the conversion of an existing property to flats.
The site was in Southwark Council, who has a very strict Affordable Housing policy, requiring contirbutions on even minor developments. You can read more on the Southwark Council affordable housing policy in our dedicated Insight, here.
Viable Placemaking prepared an Affordable Housing Viability Assessment which comprehensively reviewed the costs and values of the scheme to understand what contribution could be provided to the Council.
Like many developments, the planning application was subject to extensive delays and took over 9 months from submission to decision. Consequently, multiple updated reviews of the housing market, development costs, and resultant viability were required to ensure the local Council's decision was made in the light of the most up-to-date information.
Viable Placemaking are a town planning consultancy with a specialism in development economics and viability. We are committed to provided all housing, including affordable housing, where it is viable and deliverable. However, unfortunately some Council policies, land constraints, and development costs (among other reasons) make development unviable and it is important to consider this as part of a planning application. We have extensive experience navigating viability within the town planning process and frequently support applicants and developers in navigating these issues within a wider submission.
For more information on how Viable Placemaking may be able to support your scheme, please don't hesitate to get in touch.
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