HDH Planning & Development Ltd

We are a specialist firm of planning and development consultants dedicated to providing the robust evidence needed to navigate the complexities of the modern planning system. Whether we are supporting a local authority with a Whole Plan Viability Assessment or helping a developer through a sensitive Section 106 negotiation, our goal is to provide clarity, accuracy, and professional integrity.

Expertise That Shapes National Planning Policy

We aren't just consultants; we are the experts that the industry looks to for guidance. Since 2013, we have delivered viability support and training for the Planning Advisory Service (PAS) and co-authored national technical advice notes on housing need and tenure. When you hire us, you are hiring the team that has helped define the standards for housing and economic development needs assessments across England.

"We are a team of like-minded, positive people who care deeply about what we do, bringing a wealth of experience from both consultancy and direct development backgrounds."

Why Local Authorities and Developers Trust Our Evidence

Our firm is led by Simon Drummond-Hay MRICS, ACIH, a Chartered Surveyor who has been qualified since 1992. Simon’s unique background—spanning land agency for major estates like Savills to serving as a Development Director for affordable housing providers—gives us a 360-degree view of the property industry.

We understand the pressures on both sides of the table. This dual perspective allows us to produce assessments that are not only technically sound but also practically deliverable.

Specialists in Viability and Housing Research

We provide a comprehensive suite of services designed to support the planning process from inception to implementation. Our core specialisms include:

• Local Plan & CIL Viability: We provide the essential evidence base for plan-making, ensuring that infrastructure requirements and affordable housing targets are realistic.
• Site-Specific Appraisals: We help unlock challenging sites through detailed development appraisals and economic viability assessments.
• Strategic Housing Market Assessments (SHMA): We deliver deep insights into housing mix, tenure, and affordable need.
• Section 106 Negotiations: We act as a bridge between planners and developers to reach fair, evidence-based agreements.

Training the Next Generation of Planners

We believe in sharing our knowledge to improve the industry as a whole. Alongside Gilian Macinnes MRTPI, we provide intensive viability training for Local Authority planners. Our courses cover everything from the requirements of the NPPF to hands-on

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