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DEVELOPMENT VIABILITY CONSULTANTS FOR THE PUBLIC SECTOR.
About
JJ Viability (JJV) is a consultancy specialising in the provision of advice on development viability to the public sector. We have worked for planning authorities and understand the importance of affordable housing and the need for objective and independent assessments of scheme viability.
Financial Viability Assessments
JJV assess development viability on behalf of planning authorities with respect to a variety of planning application types (see Projects section of website). Our assessments critically analyse development values, costs, approaches and we can support authorities at pre-application, application stage, at Planning Committee and through the completion of a Section 106 Agreement which can involve advice on provisions relating to affordable housing and viability review mechanisms. JJV are also able to provide representation at Planning Appeals & Inquiries as Expert Witnesses.
Infrastructure In-Kind Assessments
JJV can assist local authorities with assessments relating to the payment of Community Infrastructure Levy liabilities via the provision of on-site social infrastructure. We can agree an appropriate sum to offset against CIL liabilities with an applicant, including amounts for construction costs and land where appropriate. Infrastructure requirements such as schools, healthcare, parks and community facilities are some of the typical infrastructure asks of planning authorities.
Viability Review Mechanism Assessments
Most major residential-led planning application should secure viability review mechanisms through a Section 106 agreement. As well as being able to provide advice to make sure review mechanism clauses agreed at application stage are robust, we are able to assess review mechanism submissions made by developers to local planning authorities following the triggering of a viability review, to evaluate if further contributions for affordable housing can be viably provided.
Viability Review Mechanism Audit
Review mechanisms secured in S106 agreements in recent years are starting to be triggered. JJV can help planning authorities form a database of review mechanisms secured in their area that identifies whether a review may be due. This can help authorities enforce planning obligations and could help secure additional developer contributions.
Property Market Reports / Update
Local authorities are increasingly seeking to be informed of market trends to assist decision making. This may include understanding the local and wider national development market activity providing a basis of good decision making in areas including delivering council built homes & policy formation. JJV can provide planning authorities with a bespoke market report or snapshot outlining key information on market conditions, providing a greater understanding of transaction/development activity.
Policy & Guidance Formation
JJV have experience in developing local and regional policy and guidance on development viability. We are able offer advice to planning authorities in respect of Planning Obligations or Development Viability Supplementary Planning Documents which can help planning authorities form a more robust approach to considering development viability.
Change of Use - Value & Marketing Assessment
Change of use applications from commercial to residential frequently involves preserving heritage or social value uses, such as public houses, or preventing the loss of potential employment opportunities. Applicants may be required to prove that the commercial use is no longer viable and that the property was marketed appropriately for a minimum duration. JJV can assist authorities by assessing whether the marketed value was reasonable, helping planning officers determine the suitability of granting planning permission.
Financial Viability Assessments
JJV assess development viability on behalf of planning authorities with respect to a variety of planning application types (see Projects section of website). Our assessments critically analyse development values, costs, approaches and we can support authorities at pre-application, application stage, at Planning Committee and through the completion of a Section 106 Agreement which can involve advice on provisions relating to affordable housing and viability review mechanisms. JJV are also able to provide representation at Planning Appeals & Inquiries as Expert Witnesses.
Infrastructure In-Kind Assessments
JJV can assist local authorities with assessments relating to the payment of Community Infrastructure Levy liabilities via the provision of on-site social infrastructure. We can agree an appropriate sum to offset against CIL liabilities with an applicant, including amounts for construction costs and land where appropriate. Infrastructure requirements such as schools, healthcare, parks and community facilities are some of the typical infrastructure asks of planning authorities.
Viability Review Mechanism Assessments
Most major residential-led planning application should secure viability review mechanisms through a Section 106 agreement. As well as being able to provide advice to make sure review mechanism clauses agreed at application stage are robust, we are able to assess review mechanism submissions made by developers to local planning authorities following the triggering of a viability review, to evaluate if further contributions for affordable housing can be viably provided.
Viability Review Mechanism Audit
Review mechanisms secured in S106 agreements in recent years are starting to be triggered. JJV can help planning authorities form a database of review mechanisms secured in their area that identifies whether a review may be due. This can help authorities enforce planning obligations and could help secure additional developer contributions.
Property Market Reports / Update
Local authorities are increasingly seeking to be informed of market trends to assist decision making. This may include understanding the local and wider national development market activity providing a basis of good decision making in areas including delivering council built homes & policy formation. JJV can provide planning authorities with a bespoke market report or snapshot outlining key information on market conditions, providing a greater understanding of transaction/development activity.
Policy & Guidance Formation
JJV have experience in developing local and regional policy and guidance on development viability. We are able offer advice to planning authorities in respect of Planning Obligations or Development Viability Supplementary Planning Documents which can help planning authorities form a more robust approach to considering development viability.
Change of Use - Value & Marketing Assessment
Change of use applications from commercial to residential frequently involves preserving heritage or social value uses, such as public houses, or preventing the loss of potential employment opportunities. Applicants may be required to prove that the commercial use is no longer viable and that the property was marketed appropriately for a minimum duration. JJV can assist authorities by assessing whether the marketed value was reasonable, helping planning officers determine the suitability of granting planning permission.
Financial Viability Assessments
JJV assess development viability on behalf of planning authorities with respect to a variety of planning application types (see Projects section of website). Our assessments critically analyse development values, costs, approaches and we can support authorities at pre-application, application stage, at Planning Committee and through the completion of a Section 106 Agreement which can involve advice on provisions relating to affordable housing and viability review mechanisms. JJV are also able to provide representation at Planning Appeals & Inquiries as Expert Witnesses.
Infrastructure In-Kind Assessments
JJV can assist local authorities with assessments relating to the payment of Community Infrastructure Levy liabilities via the provision of on-site social infrastructure. We can agree an appropriate sum to offset against CIL liabilities with an applicant, including amounts for construction costs and land where appropriate. Infrastructure requirements such as schools, healthcare, parks and community facilities are some of the typical infrastructure asks of planning authorities.
Viability Review Mechanism Assessments
Most major residential-led planning application should secure viability review mechanisms through a Section 106 agreement. As well as being able to provide advice to make sure review mechanism clauses agreed at application stage are robust, we are able to assess review mechanism submissions made by developers to local planning authorities following the triggering of a viability review, to evaluate if further contributions for affordable housing can be viably provided.
Viability Review Mechanism Audit
Review mechanisms secured in S106 agreements in recent years are starting to be triggered. JJV can help planning authorities form a database of review mechanisms secured in their area that identifies whether a review may be due. This can help authorities enforce planning obligations and could help secure additional developer contributions.
Property Market Reports / Update
Local authorities are increasingly seeking to be informed of market trends to assist decision making. This may include understanding the local and wider national development market activity providing a basis of good decision making in areas including delivering council built homes & policy formation. JJV can provide planning authorities with a bespoke market report or snapshot outlining key information on market conditions, providing a greater understanding of transaction/development activity.
Policy & Guidance Formation
JJV have experience in developing local and regional policy and guidance on development viability. We are able offer advice to planning authorities in respect of Planning Obligations or Development Viability Supplementary Planning Documents which can help planning authorities form a more robust approach to considering development viability.
Change of Use - Value & Marketing Assessment
Change of use applications from commercial to residential frequently involves preserving heritage or social value uses, such as public houses, or preventing the loss of potential employment opportunities. Applicants may be required to prove that the commercial use is no longer viable and that the property was marketed appropriately for a minimum duration. JJV can assist authorities by assessing whether the marketed value was reasonable, helping planning officers determine the suitability of granting planning permission.
Financial Viability Assessments
JJV assess development viability on behalf of planning authorities with respect to a variety of planning application types (see Projects section of website). Our assessments critically analyse development values, costs, approaches and we can support authorities at pre-application, application stage, at Planning Committee and through the completion of a Section 106 Agreement which can involve advice on provisions relating to affordable housing and viability review mechanisms. JJV are also able to provide representation at Planning Appeals & Inquiries as Expert Witnesses.
Infrastructure In-Kind Assessments
JJV can assist local authorities with assessments relating to the payment of Community Infrastructure Levy liabilities via the provision of on-site social infrastructure. We can agree an appropriate sum to offset against CIL liabilities with an applicant, including amounts for construction costs and land where appropriate. Infrastructure requirements such as schools, healthcare, parks and community facilities are some of the typical infrastructure asks of planning authorities.
Viability Review Mechanism Assessments
Most major residential-led planning application should secure viability review mechanisms through a Section 106 agreement. As well as being able to provide advice to make sure review mechanism clauses agreed at application stage are robust, we are able to assess review mechanism submissions made by developers to local planning authorities following the triggering of a viability review, to evaluate if further contributions for affordable housing can be viably provided.
Viability Review Mechanism Audit
Review mechanisms secured in S106 agreements in recent years are starting to be triggered. JJV can help planning authorities form a database of review mechanisms secured in their area that identifies whether a review may be due. This can help authorities enforce planning obligations and could help secure additional developer contributions.
Property Market Reports / Update
Local authorities are increasingly seeking to be informed of market trends to assist decision making. This may include understanding the local and wider national development market activity providing a basis of good decision making in areas including delivering council built homes & policy formation. JJV can provide planning authorities with a bespoke market report or snapshot outlining key information on market conditions, providing a greater understanding of transaction/development activity.
Policy & Guidance Formation
JJV have experience in developing local and regional policy and guidance on development viability. We are able offer advice to planning authorities in respect of Planning Obligations or Development Viability Supplementary Planning Documents which can help planning authorities form a more robust approach to considering development viability.
Change of Use - Value & Marketing Assessment
Change of use applications from commercial to residential frequently involves preserving heritage or social value uses, such as public houses, or preventing the loss of potential employment opportunities. Applicants may be required to prove that the commercial use is no longer viable and that the property was marketed appropriately for a minimum duration. JJV can assist authorities by assessing whether the marketed value was reasonable, helping planning officers determine the suitability of granting planning permission.
Financial Viability Assessments
JJV assess development viability on behalf of planning authorities with respect to a variety of planning application types (see Projects section of website). Our assessments critically analyse development values, costs, approaches and we can support authorities at pre-application, application stage, at Planning Committee and through the completion of a Section 106 Agreement which can involve advice on provisions relating to affordable housing and viability review mechanisms. JJV are also able to provide representation at Planning Appeals & Inquiries as Expert Witnesses.
Infrastructure In-Kind Assessments
JJV can assist local authorities with assessments relating to the payment of Community Infrastructure Levy liabilities via the provision of on-site social infrastructure. We can agree an appropriate sum to offset against CIL liabilities with an applicant, including amounts for construction costs and land where appropriate. Infrastructure requirements such as schools, healthcare, parks and community facilities are some of the typical infrastructure asks of planning authorities.
Viability Review Mechanism Assessments
Most major residential-led planning application should secure viability review mechanisms through a Section 106 agreement. As well as being able to provide advice to make sure review mechanism clauses agreed at application stage are robust, we are able to assess review mechanism submissions made by developers to local planning authorities following the triggering of a viability review, to evaluate if further contributions for affordable housing can be viably provided.
Viability Review Mechanism Audit
Review mechanisms secured in S106 agreements in recent years are starting to be triggered. JJV can help planning authorities form a database of review mechanisms secured in their area that identifies whether a review may be due. This can help authorities enforce planning obligations and could help secure additional developer contributions.
Property Market Reports / Update
Local authorities are increasingly seeking to be informed of market trends to assist decision making. This may include understanding the local and wider national development market activity providing a basis of good decision making in areas including delivering council built homes & policy formation. JJV can provide planning authorities with a bespoke market report or snapshot outlining key information on market conditions, providing a greater understanding of transaction/development activity.
Policy & Guidance Formation
JJV have experience in developing local and regional policy and guidance on development viability. We are able offer advice to planning authorities in respect of Planning Obligations or Development Viability Supplementary Planning Documents which can help planning authorities form a more robust approach to considering development viability.
Change of Use - Value & Marketing Assessment
Change of use applications from commercial to residential frequently involves preserving heritage or social value uses, such as public houses, or preventing the loss of potential employment opportunities. Applicants may be required to prove that the commercial use is no longer viable and that the property was marketed appropriately for a minimum duration. JJV can assist authorities by assessing whether the marketed value was reasonable, helping planning officers determine the suitability of granting planning permission.
Services
JJV can provide a wide range of services to meet the needs of public authorities. These include:
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Financial Viability Assessments & related S106 Advice
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Infrastructure In-Kind Assessments
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Viability Review Mechanism Assessments
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Viability Review Mechanism Audit
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Property Market Reports & Update
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Policy/Guidance Formation
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Change of Use - Value and Marketing Assessment
Projects
At JJV, we provide advice and support to boroughs on a range of application types including Full Applications and Section 73s/Non-Material Amendments. We have extensive experience in assessing the development viability of schemes ranging from small sites to complex large mixed-use regeneration projects. We have worked as expert witnesses on planning appeals and inquiries, as well as in respect of public examinations, and have taken lead roles in producing development plan policy and guidance.
Our expertise is in assessing the viability of a range of development types including:
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Build for Sale
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Build to Rent
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Co-living
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Student Accommodation
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Senior Living
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Estate Regeneration
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Small Sites/Extensions
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Mixed Use Schemes/Supermarket Developments
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Change of Use - Value and Marketing Assessment
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Change of Tenure within Permitted Schemes
Estate Regeneration at Woodberry Down: London Borough of Hackney
Joe led the review of the applicant’s submitted Viability Assessment on behalf of the London Borough of Hackney for this substantial estate regeneration scheme, proposing more than 3,000 new homes and targeting the provision of 43% affordable housing. JJV have since been instructed by LB Hackney to undertake a review of the RMA application for the initial phase (phase 5) of the regeneration project.
Affordable Housing SPD – Spelthorne Borough Council
Joe led the project team in respect of this SPD which provided advice on the Council’s approach to securing affordable housing (thresholds, tenures, sizes, design, grant), financial contributions, and viability assessment including review mechanisms. He successfully expedited the delivery of the SPD reflecting the government’s June 2026 deadline for the adoption of these.
Safa House Late-Stage Viability Review: London Borough of Lewisham
Joshim undertook a full assessment of the late-stage review submission, including a detailed review of the S106 agreement, and set out to the Council the information required to complete the review, including clarification of construction cost evidence. During the assessment, Joshim identified an error within the S106 agreement and formally advised the case officer of the issue, outlining alternative assessment approaches and explaining how the error would influence the review outcome. The review was completed in accordance with the requirements of the agreement and within the timeframe prescribed.
Retirement scheme at Great Broomfield’s: Basildon Borough Council
Joshim undertook a viability review of a proposed retirement living scheme in Wickford, assessing both the market value of comparable retirement homes within the local catchment and the development costs required to deliver a specialist older persons development. The assessment concluded that the development could viably deliver a financial contribution.
Planning Appeal at 93-99 Queensway: Westminster City Council
Joshim represented Westminster City Council at the planning appeal hearing, presenting the Council’s position directly to the Inspector and clearly explaining the differential between his assessment and the appellant’s. The scheme proposed no affordable housing contribution despite the Council’s policy requirements, and Joshim set out a well‑evidenced position demonstrating that the appellant’s evidence was flawed and did not substantiate their claim. The Inspector accepted the Council’s position and ultimately dismissed the appeal, reinforcing the principle that affordable housing is a critical policy requirement and that any viability assessment seeking to reduce developer contributions must be robust, transparent and properly evidenced.
Co-Living Scheme at Lewisham House: London Borough of Lewisham
Joe led the review of the applicant’s submitted Viability Assessment on behalf of the Local Planning Authority for this Co-Living scheme, which proposes 319 bedspaces. Joe helped to secure an increase in the affordable housing contribution from nil to £6.2 million during the course of the application.
High Value Residential Scheme at 39 Harrington Gardens: Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea
Joshim undertook a viability assessment in relation to an application for a £17 million single dwelling, which carried a requirement to provide a financial contribution in accordance with the Council’s policy. The applicant’s viability advisors argued that a substantial cost allowance was required to “dress” the property in order to achieve the £17 million sales value. Joshim disagreed with this position and assembled a robust evidence base demonstrating that such an approach is not market norm and that the cost assumptions put forward were not justified.
Assisted Living Scheme at Cliff Brewery: Ipswich Borough Council
Joshim undertook a viability assessment of a complex mixed use scheme comprising assisted care units, commercial floorspace, and a heritage museum intended to preserve the history of the former brewery site. The development included several Grade II listed buildings in a dilapidated condition, requiring careful consideration of heritage driven cost pressures, repair liabilities, and the feasibility of bringing the structures back into active use. JJV’s review interrogated the applicant’s appraisal in detail, focusing on whether the scheme could realistically be delivered in light of the significant financial loss being reported.
Section 73 Application/Planning Appeal at Appletree Farm: Braintree District Council
Joe acted on behalf of the Council in respect of an appeal relating to a Section 73 application and appeared as an expert witness at the hearing. The Appellant was seeking to reduce the affordable housing contribution for this substantially completed scheme from 40% to 20%. The appeal was allowed in favour of the Council’s position retaining the original affordable housing requirement based on the approach taken by JJV within the viability assessment.
HMO Proposal at 89 Leytonstone Road: London Borough of Newham
Joshim undertook a viability assessment of a newly proposed HMO scheme located near Maryland Station, comprising 14 units with on site amenities for residents. The review involved analysing the rental value assumptions, build costs, management and maintenance allowances, and the overall financial structure of the scheme to determine its capacity to support planning obligations. Through this appraisal, Joshim identified that the development could viably deliver a financial contribution as part of the proposal, providing the LPA with a clear evidence based position on the scheme’s ability to support such an obligation.
Assessment of Market Rent at 250-260 High Road: Be First (Barking & Dagenham)
Joshim undertook an assessment in response to the LPA’s requirement that any planning proposal resulting in the loss of existing commercial floorspace within a town centre location must be justified through clear market evidence. The review focused on establishing the market rent realistically achievable within the local parade, drawing on comparable rental evidence and prevailing demand conditions. It also examined whether the applicant had made a genuine and sustained effort to secure tenants, including verifying the length of time the unit had been marketed, the platforms and agents used, and whether the marketing strategy aligned with accepted industry standards. This assessment provided the LPA with a robust, evidence based position on whether the proposed loss of commercial space was justified and whether the applicant’s marketing efforts demonstrated a credible attempt to retain active town centre uses.
Blackheath Station Car Park: London Borough of Lewisham
Joe led the review of the applicant’s pre-application Viability Assessment on behalf of the London Borough of Lewisham for this 45-home scheme. The applicant’s initial submission offered no affordable housing, but the proposed provision increased to 21% by the conclusion of the assessment process.
Estate Regeneration at Woodberry Down: London Borough of Hackney
Joe led the review of the applicant’s submitted Viability Assessment on behalf of the London Borough of Hackney for this substantial estate regeneration scheme, proposing more than 3,000 new homes and targeting the provision of 43% affordable housing. JJV have since been instructed by LB Hackney to undertake a review of the RMA application for the initial phase (phase 5) of the regeneration project.
Affordable Housing SPD – Spelthorne Borough Council
Joe led the project team in respect of this SPD which provided advice on the Council’s approach to securing affordable housing (thresholds, tenures, sizes, design, grant), financial contributions, and viability assessment including review mechanisms. He successfully expedited the delivery of the SPD reflecting the government’s June 2026 deadline for the adoption of these.
Safa House Late-Stage Viability Review: London Borough of Lewisham
Joshim undertook a full assessment of the late-stage review submission, including a detailed review of the S106 agreement, and set out to the Council the information required to complete the review, including clarification of construction cost evidence. During the assessment, Joshim identified an error within the S106 agreement and formally advised the case officer of the issue, outlining alternative assessment approaches and explaining how the error would influence the review outcome. The review was completed in accordance with the requirements of the agreement and within the timeframe prescribed.
Retirement scheme at Great Broomfield’s: Basildon Borough Council
Joshim undertook a viability review of a proposed retirement living scheme in Wickford, assessing both the market value of comparable retirement homes within the local catchment and the development costs required to deliver a specialist older persons development. The assessment concluded that the development could viably deliver a financial contribution.
Planning Appeal at 93-99 Queensway: Westminster City Council
Joshim represented Westminster City Council at the planning appeal hearing, presenting the Council’s position directly to the Inspector and clearly explaining the differential between his assessment and the appellant’s. The scheme proposed no affordable housing contribution despite the Council’s policy requirements, and Joshim set out a well‑evidenced position demonstrating that the appellant’s evidence was flawed and did not substantiate their claim. The Inspector accepted the Council’s position and ultimately dismissed the appeal, reinforcing the principle that affordable housing is a critical policy requirement and that any viability assessment seeking to reduce developer contributions must be robust, transparent and properly evidenced.
Co-Living Scheme at Lewisham House: London Borough of Lewisham
Joe led the review of the applicant’s submitted Viability Assessment on behalf of the Local Planning Authority for this Co-Living scheme, which proposes 319 bedspaces. Joe helped to secure an increase in the affordable housing contribution from nil to £6.2 million during the course of the application.
High Value Residential Scheme at 39 Harrington Gardens: Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea
Joshim undertook a viability assessment in relation to an application for a £17 million single dwelling, which carried a requirement to provide a financial contribution in accordance with the Council’s policy. The applicant’s viability advisors argued that a substantial cost allowance was required to “dress” the property in order to achieve the £17 million sales value. Joshim disagreed with this position and assembled a robust evidence base demonstrating that such an approach is not market norm and that the cost assumptions put forward were not justified.
Assisted Living Scheme at Cliff Brewery: Ipswich Borough Council
Joshim undertook a viability assessment of a complex mixed use scheme comprising assisted care units, commercial floorspace, and a heritage museum intended to preserve the history of the former brewery site. The development included several Grade II listed buildings in a dilapidated condition, requiring careful consideration of heritage driven cost pressures, repair liabilities, and the feasibility of bringing the structures back into active use. JJV’s review interrogated the applicant’s appraisal in detail, focusing on whether the scheme could realistically be delivered in light of the significant financial loss being reported.
Section 73 Application/Planning Appeal at Appletree Farm: Braintree District Council
Joe acted on behalf of the Council in respect of an appeal relating to a Section 73 application and appeared as an expert witness at the hearing. The Appellant was seeking to reduce the affordable housing contribution for this substantially completed scheme from 40% to 20%. The appeal was allowed in favour of the Council’s position retaining the original affordable housing requirement based on the approach taken by JJV within the viability assessment.
HMO Proposal at 89 Leytonstone Road: London Borough of Newham
Joshim undertook a viability assessment of a newly proposed HMO scheme located near Maryland Station, comprising 14 units with on site amenities for residents. The review involved analysing the rental value assumptions, build costs, management and maintenance allowances, and the overall financial structure of the scheme to determine its capacity to support planning obligations. Through this appraisal, Joshim identified that the development could viably deliver a financial contribution as part of the proposal, providing the LPA with a clear evidence based position on the scheme’s ability to support such an obligation.
Assessment of Market Rent at 250-260 High Road: Be First (Barking & Dagenham)
Joshim undertook an assessment in response to the LPA’s requirement that any planning proposal resulting in the loss of existing commercial floorspace within a town centre location must be justified through clear market evidence. The review focused on establishing the market rent realistically achievable within the local parade, drawing on comparable rental evidence and prevailing demand conditions. It also examined whether the applicant had made a genuine and sustained effort to secure tenants, including verifying the length of time the unit had been marketed, the platforms and agents used, and whether the marketing strategy aligned with accepted industry standards. This assessment provided the LPA with a robust, evidence based position on whether the proposed loss of commercial space was justified and whether the applicant’s marketing efforts demonstrated a credible attempt to retain active town centre uses.
Blackheath Station Car Park: London Borough of Lewisham
Joe led the review of the applicant’s pre-application Viability Assessment on behalf of the London Borough of Lewisham for this 45-home scheme. The applicant’s initial submission offered no affordable housing, but the proposed provision increased to 21% by the conclusion of the assessment process.
Estate Regeneration at Woodberry Down: London Borough of Hackney
Joe led the review of the applicant’s submitted Viability Assessment on behalf of the London Borough of Hackney for this substantial estate regeneration scheme, proposing more than 3,000 new homes and targeting the provision of 43% affordable housing. JJV have since been instructed by LB Hackney to undertake a review of the RMA application for the initial phase (phase 5) of the regeneration project.
Affordable Housing SPD – Spelthorne Borough Council
Joe led the project team in respect of this SPD which provided advice on the Council’s approach to securing affordable housing (thresholds, tenures, sizes, design, grant), financial contributions, and viability assessment including review mechanisms. He successfully expedited the delivery of the SPD reflecting the government’s June 2026 deadline for the adoption of these.
Safa House Late-Stage Viability Review: London Borough of Lewisham
Joshim undertook a full assessment of the late-stage review submission, including a detailed review of the S106 agreement, and set out to the Council the information required to complete the review, including clarification of construction cost evidence. During the assessment, Joshim identified an error within the S106 agreement and formally advised the case officer of the issue, outlining alternative assessment approaches and explaining how the error would influence the review outcome. The review was completed in accordance with the requirements of the agreement and within the timeframe prescribed.
Retirement scheme at Great Broomfield’s: Basildon Borough Council
Joshim undertook a viability review of a proposed retirement living scheme in Wickford, assessing both the market value of comparable retirement homes within the local catchment and the development costs required to deliver a specialist older persons development. The assessment concluded that the development could viably deliver a financial contribution.
Planning Appeal at 93-99 Queensway: Westminster City Council
Joshim represented Westminster City Council at the planning appeal hearing, presenting the Council’s position directly to the Inspector and clearly explaining the differential between his assessment and the appellant’s. The scheme proposed no affordable housing contribution despite the Council’s policy requirements, and Joshim set out a well‑evidenced position demonstrating that the appellant’s evidence was flawed and did not substantiate their claim. The Inspector accepted the Council’s position and ultimately dismissed the appeal, reinforcing the principle that affordable housing is a critical policy requirement and that any viability assessment seeking to reduce developer contributions must be robust, transparent and properly evidenced.
Co-Living Scheme at Lewisham House: London Borough of Lewisham
Joe led the review of the applicant’s submitted Viability Assessment on behalf of the Local Planning Authority for this Co-Living scheme, which proposes 319 bedspaces. Joe helped to secure an increase in the affordable housing contribution from nil to £6.2 million during the course of the application.
High Value Residential Scheme at 39 Harrington Gardens: Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea
Joshim undertook a viability assessment in relation to an application for a £17 million single dwelling, which carried a requirement to provide a financial contribution in accordance with the Council’s policy. The applicant’s viability advisors argued that a substantial cost allowance was required to “dress” the property in order to achieve the £17 million sales value. Joshim disagreed with this position and assembled a robust evidence base demonstrating that such an approach is not market norm and that the cost assumptions put forward were not justified.
Assisted Living Scheme at Cliff Brewery: Ipswich Borough Council
Joshim undertook a viability assessment of a complex mixed use scheme comprising assisted care units, commercial floorspace, and a heritage museum intended to preserve the history of the former brewery site. The development included several Grade II listed buildings in a dilapidated condition, requiring careful consideration of heritage driven cost pressures, repair liabilities, and the feasibility of bringing the structures back into active use. JJV’s review interrogated the applicant’s appraisal in detail, focusing on whether the scheme could realistically be delivered in light of the significant financial loss being reported.
Section 73 Application/Planning Appeal at Appletree Farm: Braintree District Council
Joe acted on behalf of the Council in respect of an appeal relating to a Section 73 application and appeared as an expert witness at the hearing. The Appellant was seeking to reduce the affordable housing contribution for this substantially completed scheme from 40% to 20%. The appeal was allowed in favour of the Council’s position retaining the original affordable housing requirement based on the approach taken by JJV within the viability assessment.
HMO Proposal at 89 Leytonstone Road: London Borough of Newham
Joshim undertook a viability assessment of a newly proposed HMO scheme located near Maryland Station, comprising 14 units with on site amenities for residents. The review involved analysing the rental value assumptions, build costs, management and maintenance allowances, and the overall financial structure of the scheme to determine its capacity to support planning obligations. Through this appraisal, Joshim identified that the development could viably deliver a financial contribution as part of the proposal, providing the LPA with a clear evidence based position on the scheme’s ability to support such an obligation.
Assessment of Market Rent at 250-260 High Road: Be First (Barking & Dagenham)
Joshim undertook an assessment in response to the LPA’s requirement that any planning proposal resulting in the loss of existing commercial floorspace within a town centre location must be justified through clear market evidence. The review focused on establishing the market rent realistically achievable within the local parade, drawing on comparable rental evidence and prevailing demand conditions. It also examined whether the applicant had made a genuine and sustained effort to secure tenants, including verifying the length of time the unit had been marketed, the platforms and agents used, and whether the marketing strategy aligned with accepted industry standards. This assessment provided the LPA with a robust, evidence based position on whether the proposed loss of commercial space was justified and whether the applicant’s marketing efforts demonstrated a credible attempt to retain active town centre uses.
Blackheath Station Car Park: London Borough of Lewisham
Joe led the review of the applicant’s pre-application Viability Assessment on behalf of the London Borough of Lewisham for this 45-home scheme. The applicant’s initial submission offered no affordable housing, but the proposed provision increased to 21% by the conclusion of the assessment process.
People
Our recognised viability consultants are RICS accredited Chartered Surveyors who understand the importance of high-quality advice on development viability and affordable housing to Planning Authorities.
Joshim Uddin MRICS - Director
Joseph Ward MRICS - Director
Jane Seymour MRICS - Consultant
Social Value
When JJV launched in 2024, we pledged to make an annual donation of our profit to local homeless charities. Through the support of Local Planning Authorities, we have been able to honour our promise.
2026 - The 999 Club (LB Lewisham)
This year we supported The 999 Club, a long‑established homelessness support charity. They provide frontline services for people experiencing homelessness, rough sleeping, or acute housing insecurity.
2025 - Hackney Night Shelter (LB Hackney)
Last year we supported the Hackney Night Shelter which provides temporary accommodation to support people experiencing homelessness. Their vision is to create a lasting route out of homelessness for everyone in need in Hackney by offering overnight accommodation, providing hot meals to guests, offering professional support and resettlement assistance.
Training Videos
At JJV, we believe that it's important that development viability is accessible and easily understood. With this in mind we have created a series of complimentary training videos for Planning Officers and Committee Members to help demystify development viability.
If you would like to discuss any further bespoke training needs, feel free to get in touch.
Useful Viability Links
Key publications relating to the assessment of development viability for planning purposes are set out below. Click through to be re-directed.
Get In Touch
General Enquiries
Enquiries@JJViability.co.uk
Joshim Uddin MRICS - Director
07881114965
Joshim.Uddin@JJViability.co.uk
Joseph Ward MRICS - Director
07881115396
Joseph.Ward@JJViability.co.uk
Jane Seymour MRICS - Consultant
07881114965
Jane.Seymour@JJViability.co.uk
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