Before purchasing a property, developing a design or submitting a planning application, it helps to understand what your site or building can realistically accommodate.
SMT Associates provides feasibility advice for owners, purchasers, developers and professional teams across Cornwall and the South West. We bring together planning, heritage, surveying and construction knowledge to explore your options, identify constraints and recommend a practical way forward.
Whether you are considering a conversion, extension, new development or change of use, our aim is to help you make an informed decision before committing substantial time and money.
Looking beyond planning potential
A promising planning opportunity also needs to work in practice. Access, drainage, structural condition, fire safety and the requirements of the proposed use can all influence what is achievable. For historic buildings, these considerations must also be balanced with the retention of significant fabric, features and character.
Our feasibility work examines these matters together, helping you understand where a proposal is straightforward, where further investigation is needed and where an alternative approach may offer a stronger solution.
What we assess
The scope of each study is tailored to the project. It may include:
- Planning history, existing permissions and lawful use
- Relevant planning policies and site designations
- Development opportunities and alternative uses
- Heritage significance and capacity for change
- Building condition and visible repair concerns
- Access, parking, drainage and services
- Initial Building Regulations and technical considerations
- Environmental constraints and specialist survey requirements
- Matters likely to affect cost and programme
- The appropriate route to consent
Where useful, we can explore outline layouts or development options to help compare different approaches.
A feasibility study identifies the information needed to make the next decision. Detailed building surveys, structural investigations and construction cost plans can then be commissioned where appropriate.
Existing buildings and conversions
Conversions often require careful consideration of how a new use will fit within an existing building.
The position of stairs, internal walls, kitchens, bathrooms and services can affect usable space, technical requirements and historic character. Understanding these relationships early can help avoid substantial redesign later.
We assess projects including traditional barns, historic townhouses, commercial premises, chapels, schools, holiday accommodation and other underused buildings.
For listed properties, we consider whether the intended use can be accommodated sensitively and whether a different layout, fewer units or an alternative use would offer a more realistic approach.
From assessment to a clear recommendation
Our findings help you decide whether to proceed, adapt the proposal, commission targeted investigations or consider another option.
We explain the main opportunities and constraints, the information still required and the recommended next steps. Where appropriate, we coordinate early input from engineers, ecologists, drainage specialists, cost consultants and other advisers.
If Council pre-application advice would be useful, we can help develop a suitable proposal and supporting information. A feasibility study can inform that discussion by testing the project's underlying assumptions first.
Start with a clearer picture
If you are considering a purchase, conversion or development opportunity, early advice can help you establish a sound basis for your next decision.
Contact SMT Associates to discuss a feasibility study →
Related services: Planning Applications & Advice · Conservation & Historic Buildings · Case Studies
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