How We Can Help Make an Economic Case
We help to make the socio-economic case for proposed new developments through planning permissions or site allocations. Our work shows how proposals will impact the local economy and their potential to create jobs for local people. We also demonstrate the need for a particular scheme and how it contributes to existing policy and strategy ambitions.
Our expert services are often helpful in support of contentious schemes which do not conform to the development plan (either existent or emerging) or are subject to local opposition for other reasons.
We apply a range of research and analysis tools to meet the needs of our clients, which tend to include:
- Demonstrating the need for increased housing provision
- Demonstrating an over/under supply of employment land
- Demonstrating the economic benefits of development proposals
The Importance of a Strong Economic Case
Landowners, site promoters, property developers, planners and local authorities need to be able to characterise how development can sustain and enhance local, regional, and national economies, whilst also generating benefits to local communities, residents, and businesses.
Delivering economic growth is a key priority for local authorities and is a core objective of national planning policy across the UK. Having a strong socio-economic justification for a project or development can be very helpful in demonstrating the beneficial impacts a development can bring about. This can also act as a counterweight to other potential adverse impacts.
Our Approach to Socio-economic Cases
We tailor our approach to a client’s specific needs. Our typical approach to making the economic case for development will include:
- Demonstrating the strategic fit of a development and its contribution to existing policy and strategy ambitions.
- Modelling of employment, wage, and GVA impacts across construction and operational phases. We can also model domestic local expenditure from workers, residents, and visitors, or look at the impact the development will have on public finances g. business rates.
- Describing the impact on local economic growth as a result of the development. Development can contribute towards positively restructuring an area’s sector profile; act as a catalyst for inward investment; and improve the quality of the public realm.
- Assessing social impacts on the local community, typically in terms of skills and training opportunities for the local labour force; health needs and improved outcomes for local residents; alleviation of deprivation; social cohesion and community integration.
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.
