How to Assess a Development Site
A structured early assessment helps you decide whether a site is worth pursuing before significant money is spent.
1. Planning context
Review the local plan allocation, settlement boundaries, designations and planning history. Nearby approvals and refusals give useful signals but are not decisive.
2. Physical site
Measure the developable area, not just the total area. Consider topography, access, visibility splays, trees, watercourses, overhead lines and easements.
3. Technical constraints
- Flood risk and drainage
- Ground conditions and contamination
- Ecology and biodiversity net gain
- Heritage and archaeology
- Utility capacity
4. Indicative capacity and value
Test a realistic layout and number of units. Compare likely sales values with build and abnormal costs in an appraisal.
5. Decide the next step
Either proceed to surveys and pre-application advice, renegotiate the land price, or walk away.
This page provides general, preliminary information. It is not a planning decision, formal valuation or professional appointment. Appropriate checks and current planning information may be required. Last reviewed 2026-06-01.