Practical viability training to help local authority officers, members and wider stakeholders build confidence in understanding viability evidence in planning.
Our training is informed by extensive experience in development plan viability, CIL, affordable housing, site-specific viability review work and related support.
Whether you are looking for an introduction to viability principles or more detailed technical training linked to current policy and appraisal practice, we tailor each session to your authority’s objectives, experience levels and current work programme.
Our approach is collaborative, balanced and closely aligned with each client’s local circumstances and priorities.
What the training covers
Our viability training can be shaped around a single topic or delivered as a wider programme.
Typical themes include:
- Introduction to development viability in planning
- Reviewing applicant-submitted viability assessments
- Key appraisal inputs, assumptions and sensitivity testing
- Gross development value, build costs, benchmark land value, finance and developer return
- Interpreting appraisal outputs and reporting findings clearlyNational policy and guidance context
- Local Plan viability and cumulative policy testing
- Community Infrastructure Levy and supporting evidence
- Affordable housing policy, contributions and viability considerations
- Viability at examination, appeal, committee and decision-taking stages
Flexible delivery
Training can be delivered online or in person and tailored for planning policy teams, development management officers, housing officers, members or mixed audiences.
Sessions can be structured as short briefings, workshops or more detailed training modules, depending on the level of technical detail required.
We can also shape training around live projects, local evidence and current policy work so that the content is immediately relevant and practical.
This helps translate viability concepts into day-to-day decision making and strengthens confidence in reviewing evidence and applying policy.
Why work with us
Our training is rooted in the same evidence-based and practical approach that underpins our wider consultancy work for local authorities.
That includes Local Plan viability evidence, site-specific viability reviews, negotiation support, and assistance at appeal and examination stages.
Because of that, our training is designed to be clear, relevant and grounded in real experience rather than generic theory.
We aim to provide advice and learning that is robust, accessible and directly useful to officers and members working with viability issues in practice.
Who it is for
Our viability training is particularly suited to:
- Planning policy teams
- Development management officers
- Housing strategy and enabling officers
- Councillors and planning committee members
- Cross-disciplinary officer groups involved in plan making and decision taking
Contact us
If you would like to discuss viability training for your team, please contact us for an informal discussion about your requirements.
