Development Viability Model (DVM)
The DVM is a 'site-specific' appraisal tool that has been produced to work with Microsoft Excel for Office 365, running on Microsoft Windows and as further detailed within the accompanying User Guide (see below). Each copy of the model that is issued by the Council will be 'locked' to relate to a specific development site. The same copy of the model can, however, be re-used to assess more than one proposed scenario for development of that specific site.
A detailed User Guide has been created explaining how the DVM works; it also sets out the information users are required to input into the relevant cells. Each copy of the DVM incorporates a ‘Quick Guide’ too, this is aimed at those undertaking an assessment of a purely residential development site not significantly in excess of 2 hectares (5 acres). Furthermore, ‘Help Notes’ reminding users of what to do have been built into the model and are embedded within the worksheets themselves.
Also provided below are links to some ‘how to’ videos on the use of the model. These are provided as another means of helping the user understand how the DVM works in a step-by-step guide.
Use of the DVM during the initial Call for Candidate Sites is free of charge. However, a fee will be charged for the use of the model at Stage 3 for sites where the Council requests additional information. Please contact the LDP Team to request a copy of the DVM.
Please note – The Council intends to use this model for all viability assessments relating to the RLDP, as part of both the Candidate Site and Preferred Strategy - Deposit Stages. Therefore, in order to ensure consistency we would encourage all site proposers to use this model.
If you have any queries about the DVM, please email the Council’s Planning Policy Team:
1. Introduction
2. Residential Overview
3. Residential Elements
4. Costs
5. Appraisal and Cashflow