Financial Viability Assessments & Independent Reviews
Continuum supports Local Authorities, developers, landowners, community groups and planning teams with robust viability advice throughout the planning process. Having delivered over 300 assessments, we bring an independent, evidence-based approach to financial modelling, appraisal review, policy interpretation and negotiation.
Our work helps clients understand what a scheme can viably support, whether in support of a planning application, as part of an independent review, or during planning negotiations. We provide clear, reasoned evidence to inform decision-making and support deliverable planning outcomes.
Affordable Housing Viability
Affordable housing is often one of the most important and sensitive parts of a viability discussion. We help clients test affordable housing levels, tenure mix, grant assumptions, transfer values and delivery options using planning policy, market evidence and development appraisal.
This allows Clients to assess what is reasonable, deliverable and policy compliant. Our advice is designed to support constructive negotiation and help unlock schemes.
Section 106, CIL & Developer Contributions
Planning obligations need to balance policy requirements, local priorities and scheme deliverability. We provide evidence-led advice on Section 106 agreements, CIL matters, infrastructure contributions and site-specific obligations, helping clients understand the financial impact of different requirements.
Our role is to support fair, proportionate and defensible outcomes for both public and private sector clients. By testing obligations in the context of overall scheme viability, we help identify solutions that are commercially realistic and aligned with planning objectives.
Planning Appeals, Examinations & Expert Witness Evidence
Where viability is disputed, clear and credible evidence is essential. We support planning appeals, hearings, inquiries and Local Plan examinations with independent viability advice, written evidence, rebuttals and expert input.
Our experience across a wide range of schemes allows us to present complex appraisal matters clearly. We help clients prepare robust submissions, respond to challenge and support effective negotiation through formal planning and examination processes
Viability Review Mechanisms & Overage
Viability review mechanisms are most effective when they are clear, measurable and capable of responding to changing market conditions. We advise on the structure, operation and assessment of early-stage, late-stage and triggered reviews, including overage provisions and future contribution calculations.
This support helps Local Authorities and developers manage risk over the life of a scheme. We bring clarity to review processes, helping parties understand when further contributions may be due and how those calculations should be evidenced.
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Local Plan, CIL & Area-Wide Viability Assessments
Sound planning policy relies on a strong understanding of development viability across different sites, typologies and market areas. We prepare area-wide viability assessments to support Local Plans, affordable housing policies, CIL charging schedules and planning obligation strategies.
Our approach helps Local Authorities develop ambitious but deliverable policies, while giving landowners and housebuilders confidence in the evidence base. We test policy impacts against realistic development assumptions to support plans that can withstand scrutiny.
Property Market Analysis & Viability Evidence
Reliable market evidence is the foundation of a robust viability assessment. We analyse residential values, land values, affordable housing values, build costs, rents, yields, demand trends and local market conditions to support appraisals and planning negotiations.
This evidence helps Local Authorities and housebuilders make informed decisions based on realistic assumptions and current market performance. By linking market analysis directly to viability, we provide a clearer view of what a scheme can support.
Benchmark Land Value, Residual Appraisals & Sensitivity Testing
The outcome of any viability assessment depends on the assumptions that sit behind the appraisal. We provide detailed advice on benchmark land value, residual land value, developer return, development costs, sales values and sensitivity testing.
By grounding our analysis in market evidence and planning policy, we help clients understand the key drivers of viability. This enables clearer discussions around land value, scheme performance and the implications of changing assumptions.
