Site Development Appraisal in London

Development Feasibility Study

Whether for a small extension or a large-scale development, it is essential to understand the planning potential and key constraints associated with a site.

SM Planning’s Development Feasibility Studies provide a detailed appraisal of a site or scheme, addressing key questions such as:

Is the site suitable for development?
What planning constraints or policy considerations apply?
How can the scheme be optimised to maximise use and land value?

A well-prepared feasibility study brings together all relevant opportunities and constraints into a clear, structured document. Its purpose is to reduce uncertainty, identify potential issues early, and inform the most effective strategy before progressing to a full planning application.

For more information on development appraisals or any of our other planning consultancy services, contact one of our London Planning Consultants here

Is my land suitable for development?

Whether your land is suitable for development depends on a range of planning and site-specific factors.

Suitability is primarily determined by local and national planning policy, including whether the land is allocated for development or falls within any protected designations such as Green Belt or conservation areas. Physical factors such as access, surrounding land uses, availability of services, and environmental or heritage constraints will also play an important role in assessing suitability.

We can assess your site in detail and provide clear advice on its development potential, including any constraints and the most appropriate strategy to pursue.

What is included in an SM Planning feasibility study?

SM Planning’s feasibility study provides a clear, high-level assessment of your site’s development potential.

It includes an overview of the site’s planning context and any relevant planning history, alongside an assessment of key constraints and risks, impact on neighbouring amenity , massing, access, and overall site layout.

Where constraints are identified, we outline how these could potentially be mitigated or designed around to improve the likelihood of a successful scheme. We also assess whether the principle of development is likely to be acceptable to the relevant Local Planning Authority, and conclude with a clear professional recommendation on the site’s development potential.