It is necessary to understand the characteristics and needs of the population who are going to use or live in the place so that those needs can be met by the scheme. To do this we need to understand:
· Age profile
· Birth rate
· Family size
· School need
· Major health issues
· Any specific needs of parties with protected characteristics: e.g. places of worship.
· Income profiles
In undertaking this assessment, it is necessary to look at the characteristics of the current place and whether the infrastructure meets current needs or whether new services and infrastructure are required.
For example, the population profile may suggest that there is a need for homes with 1, 2, 3 & 4 bedrooms in equal measure. But there may be a significant surplus of 1 and 2 bed homes being built and shortage of 3 & 4 bed houses, so those are what are needed.
Or the age of the population may suggest increased care home provision will be required in say 10 years time as the population ages. Or more school places within a few years of a birth rate increase or additional GP’s capacity if there are more young and old people.
All of this can be estimated based on current capacity, anticipated future population and by estimating their needs based on existing trends. Estimating is not always right but its better than not planning at all. This estimation exercise happens in the planning stage of large new developments to understand their impact and determine what new services need to be required. When new infrastructure and services are required new development is usually required to contribute towards this. This means that if there is a need for a new primary school then part of what you pay for that brand new apartment has probably gone to pay for part of that school.
Isn't this getting dull? Please keep going.... section 19 is next.
Comments