Development Feasibility & Appraisal
Assess development options against site, market, infrastructure and planning conditions.
01 · Test the development opportunity
Feasibility asks whether a development idea is practical and what must be true for it to work. A useful appraisal compares options and makes assumptions visible, so a client can decide whether to proceed, change the concept or investigate further.
We review the planning and site factors agreed for the instruction, such as proposed use, access, service context and material constraints. Where the decision also requires market research, financial modelling, valuation, engineering or environmental assessment, the proposal identifies those specialist workstreams. Conclusions are tied to the evidence available and the limits of the commissioned study.
02 · When to commission this service
- You are comparing development concepts, sites or investment options before committing to detailed design.
- The planning, access or service implications of a proposed project need to be understood.
- A team needs to identify the critical assumptions, risks and further studies behind a go, revise or investigate decision.
03 · Your appraisal findings
- A planning and site appraisal describing material opportunities, constraints and information gaps relevant to the proposed concept.
- An options comparison using agreed criteria and explicit assumptions, with specialist findings integrated where commissioned.
- A decision brief setting out feasibility findings, key risks, dependencies and recommended next investigations or project steps.
04 · From assumptions to a decision brief
- Confirm the decision, options and evidence required
- Assess planning, site, access and service conditions
- Compare options with the appointed commercial and technical specialists
05 · Define the appraisal brief
- Project objectives and site information
- Concept options and available studies
- Commercial assumptions and budget information where commissioned
06 · Scope and responsibilities
The proposal defines the commissioned outputs, professional roles, data needs and review process. Technical, statutory and partner responsibilities are agreed before work starts.
For technical teams
Physical and Land Use Planning Act, 2019; Ministry of Lands Physical and Land Use Planning Handbook, December 2025.
Points to agree in the technical brief
- Agree the development options, land use assumptions and decision criteria before comparing their implications.
- Identify source dates and limits of market, cost, revenue and programme assumptions, with specialist valuation or financial inputs scoped where needed.
- Set scenarios and sensitivity checks, distinguishing an appraisal from a funding commitment or guarantee of investment performance.
07 · Common questions
Does this include a financial model or market study?
Only where expressly commissioned. The proposal distinguishes planning and site appraisal from financial modelling, market research and valuation.
Can the study guarantee commercial success?
No. The appraisal explains the evidence, assumptions and risks behind its findings so the client can make an informed decision.
What can we do if the concept is not yet fixed?
We can agree a limited set of options and decision criteria at inception, then identify the evidence needed to compare them meaningfully.
Make the next step clear
Share the location, your intended outcome and the information already available. Discuss your project →