Improving social value in development

Measuring development’s impact on occupant’s wellbeing is spread across planning and Building Regulations. Improving the scope of this work helps further explain how your developments put people and their experiences at the forefront of development. This is an element of a social value assessment.

Social Value UK define social value as the relative importance that people place on the wellbeing changes they experience. Measuring social value fully requires engagement over the lifespan of a development, from the design and construction phase through occupation. This is something developers are already involved in.

The following list provides several topics which can generate social value, and which developers can review all developments against:

• Public transport: Ensuring development is well located in regard to public transport can reduce carbon emissions and improve local air quality, encourage active lifestyles and improve public health, and can reduce inequality by supporting economic opportunities for those living in poverty.
• Local sourcing and employment: Providing opportunities for local product sourcing and employment keeps money within and supports the local economy, provides training opportunities, and can reduce unemployment and the negative impacts associated with unemployment.
• Green spaces and play spaces: Well-designed green spaces can create opportunities for social interaction, reduce individual stress, and facilitate active lifestyles and increased recreation time.
• Reduced energy bills: Energy efficient homes can reduce energy bills, which can in turn decrease fuel poverty and potentially increase financial security.