At a glance

The South Downs National Park Authority has renewed its contract with Bruton Knowles as its sole viability adviser for assessing potential developments, particularly for affordable housing, until 2042. Bruton Knowles will review Financial Viability Assessments for planning applications, ensuring developments are feasible while supporting affordable housing goals. This partnership, valued at £150,000, includes training sessions for the Authority's planning officers.

As South Downs National Park prepares to deliver thousands of new homes by 2042, Bruton Knowles will play a key role in assessing the viability of potential developments. The national chartered surveying company has been appointed by South Downs National Park Authority (SDNPA) to act as the Authority’s sole provider of specialist viability advice. This extends the relationship into its seventh year, with the new two-year term also having the option of a third. As part of a single supplier framework, which has an estimated value of £150,000, Bruton Knowles will review Financial Viability Assessments (FVAs) submitted in support of planning applications across the South Downs National Park. Bruton Knowles will independently assess each application, with work ranging from an initial review and written report through to detailed discussions and negotiations with applicants and their advisers.

Gill Welsman, Planning Project Officer (Major Projects) at South Downs National Park Authority said: “Delivery and provision of affordable housing is a priority for the SDNPA. Having experienced consultants like Bruton Knowles on board who independently assess the viability of potential developments during the application process means that we are supported in maximising opportunities for providing affordable housing, while ensuring a development remains viable and can be completed.”

While the majority of instructions relate to residential development, the team’s expertise can also be applied to other types of assessments relating to the viability of pubs, retail locations and rural development.

Guy Emmerson, Partner at Bruton Knowles: “We are delighted to strengthen our relationship with South Downs National Park Authority having worked closely with the Authority’s planning teams over the last six years. We help the Authority make informed planning decisions and we have a strong understanding of the Authority’s requirements and challenges involved in assessing viability within the National Park.”

Bruton Knowles will also provide training sessions for South Downs National Park Authority’s planning officers, helping to build understanding of development viability and the assessment of Financial Viability Assessments. Further training sessions are planned as part of the new contract.

Editorial insight

Independent viability assessments have become a routine but essential part of the planning process for local authorities aiming to balance the delivery of affordable housing with the financial realities faced by developers. The South Downs National Park Authority’s decision to extend its relationship with Bruton Knowles reflects the ongoing need for specialist scrutiny as the park works towards ambitious housing targets set for the next two decades.

For local planning applicants and stakeholders, the continued involvement of an established adviser may provide greater certainty and transparency during viability negotiations, particularly given the pressures to deliver affordable homes in protected landscapes. Bruton Knowles’ remit to support planning officer training also points to a broader effort to embed viability expertise within the Authority’s in-house teams.

Story ideas and journalist angles

Economic impact

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