RICS Guidance on Viability in Planning
April 20, 2021
Valerie Conway
1170 Views
The RICS has issued new guidance for financial viability assessments in planning (FVAs). The new guidance supports the aims set out in the NPPF and PPG in trying to ensure developers commit to adequate infrastructure and affordable housing levels, irrelevant of the cost of land.
Developer contributions are a contentious topic, with many developers arguing that requirements to provide contributions and affordable housing are stunting development potential. The guidance seeks to overcome the circularity created by the previous guidance issued in 2012 whereby developers used high land prices to justify low developer contributions and low developer contributions leading to higher land pricing.
In line with the NPPF and PPG, the emphasis is on viability being established at the plan making stage via typology and strategic site testing.
The new guidance seeks to make it clear that planning contributions should be part and parcel of the development equation and not negotiable at the decision making stage where an up to date plan is in place.
Whilst the new guidance doesn’t completely rule out viability arguments at the decision making stage, listing a number of circumstances where viability arguments might be put forwards, the onus is firmly on the developer to justify their case with no compunction on the decision maker to accept such arguments.
To read more of our Viability Team’s takeaway from the RICS guidance, click here.
RELATED NEWS
‘Effective Delivery of Strategic Sites’ Toolkit Shortlisted for RTPI Research Awards 2022
David Lock Associates, with PAS and the LGA, are delighted to have been shortlisted for the RTPI Awards for Research Excellence 2022 in the Planning Practitioner category for ‘Effective Delivery of Strategic Sites: A Toolkit for Planning Authorities’.
Baytree Milton Keynes in Full Swing
The Baytree Logistics Development Ltd ‘Baytree Milton Keynes’ industrial and distribution units recently became fully operational and pre-let.
Active Design Guidance Consultation
As part of DLA’s longstanding work with Sport England, we have recently been commissioned to update their Active Design Guidance, which we previously drafted on their behalf back in 2015 and 2007.
Remembering the Career of Ken Baker
Today is the Memorial and Celebration of Life of our dear friend and former colleague, Ken Baker, hosted by the Fred Roche Foundation.
A Glimpse into the New Plan-Making Framework
The Levelling up & Regeneration Bill landed on 11 May. Behold! a new plan-making framework starts to appear as you read through it, with a defined strategic layer (more than two authorities) and local layer (one authority) and high-level descriptions for content.
Houlton School Wins ‘Best Project’ Award
Houlton School has won the award for 'Best Project' at the West Midlands RTPI Awards 2022.
Helping to Create the Next Generation of Placemakers
We recently took a team of our planners and designers to a local secondary school, with Hallam Land, and ran workshops with year 9 students looking at how to design and develop a new part of MK.
Permission Secured for Box Road
David Lock Associates, on behalf of our client Hallam Land, have received outline planning permission for up to 42 dwellings and associated infrastructure for land at Box Road Cam, from Stroud District Council.
Urban Design Graduate Opportunities
David Lock Associates are recruiting graduate Urban Designers, to join our dynamic and growing team and work on our diverse portfolio of projects.
DLA Appointed to Update Sport England’s Active Design Guidance
David Lock Associates are delighted to have been appointed to update and review Sport England’s Active Design Guidance, which was initially published in 2015.
