Latest Insights and Publications

SQW, in partnership with eftec, have been working with Homes England over the last two years to deliver new appraisal guidance for the Agency to improve the understanding of different aspects of social value in delivering new housing across England.

The first piece of guidance that we have worked on has now been published by Homes England.  The paper, and accompanying Excel tool, enables the measurement of amenity impacts delivered through the redevelopment of brownfield land, along with the amenity value created by the inclusion of specific features such as facilities for local communities and space for nature.

This guidance and tool will allow appraisers (including those in Central Government and housing developers) to better articulate the social value associated with remediating and developing on brownfield land, and how local people value improvements to these sites. This has previously been an area that hasn’t been assessed within appraisal guidance; this new guidance provides new values that appraisers can incorporate into Green Book compliant business cases.

The guidance and tool are available to view here.

SQW are also developing further appraisal guidance for Homes England over the coming months, including guidance relating to the environmental impact of housing development, and the wellbeing and fiscal impacts associated with the development of older persons housing. More information will follow on these.