Socio-economic Impact Assessment
We assess the economic impact of projects and development proposals to help show the impact they will have on local communities and economies.
Image credit: Wolters Partner, Coesfeld, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
How can a Socio-economic Impact Assessment Help?
Through a socio-economic impact assessment we assess projects and development proposals to demonstrate the social and economic impact they will have within local communities. This helps to secure support for projects and also in understanding how to mitigate adverse impacts and maximise positive ones.
See how we have helped clients around the UK with a socio-economic impact assessment >
The Importance of Understanding Socio-economic Impact
We recognise the importance of understanding socio-economic impact and through our work we can help to identify the significance that certain types of investments and developments can have in supporting growth.
A socio-economic impact assessment that clearly communicates the economic and social benefits of a project or development can enhance communication with planning authorities, the public, and other stakeholders.
Just as important is how a socio-economic impact assessment can describe potential negative impacts – and set out how these can be mitigated – to assure stakeholders that development is taking place in a responsible manner that aligns with policy and strategy.
Our Methodology for Socio-economic Assessments
We calculate socio-economic impact by looking at a range of factors including jobs, wages, GVA, employment opportunities for local people, disposable household income, and public sector revenues e.g. business rates.
In addition to these factors, a development’s impact will typically be much wider by generating further activity throughout the economy. This is characterised by supply chain activity taking place as a result of the development along with spending by those who earn wages from the direct and indirect supply chain linkages that result from the development.
We ensure these indirect and induced effects are captured in order to properly characterise a development’s beneficial impacts.
Throughout our approach we draw on best practice guidance and work with clients to assess the best available information, ensuring an appropriate level of detail to meet our client’s specific needs.
Learn more about economic development consulting with Hardisty Jones Associates >
HJA were commissioned by Bridgemere Land Ltd to support a planning application for a proposed innovation centre – the Cambridge Discovery Campus (CDC) – in Hauxton, South Cambridgeshire. Outline planning approval was granted in April 2024.
HJA supported a successful planning application for a food retail and mixed use development at Grovefield Way, Cheltenham through delivering a Socio-economic Impact Assessment. The Impact Assessment formed part of the development's wider Environmental Impact Assessment.
HJA supported a successful planning appeal for the development of an Aldi Store in Gillingham, North Dorset.
HJA were commissioned by Bridgemere Land Ltd to support a planning application for a proposed innovation centre – the Cambridge Discovery Campus (CDC) – in Hauxton, South Cambridgeshire. Outline planning approval was granted in April 2024.
HJA supported a successful planning application for a food retail and mixed use development at Grovefield Way, Cheltenham through delivering a Socio-economic Impact Assessment. The Impact Assessment formed part of the development's wider Environmental Impact Assessment.
