As expectations around Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) standards continue to rise, planning applications in the care sector are coming under increasing scrutiny. Local Authorities, regulators, and communities increasingly want to see robust evidence that proposed developments deliver sustainable, socially responsible outcomes.
The National Planning Framework 2024 puts sustainable development at the centre of the UK’s planning system, aligning with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals. It sets out a triple aim: to support economic productivity, enable social wellbeing, and promote environmental stewardship.
Meeting Local Authorities’ decision-making criteria
Local authorities have clear and increasingly stringent criteria for approving planning applications. The Framework states they should “work proactively with applicants to secure developments that will improve the economic, social and environmental conditions of the area”. In short, decision-makers are expected to approve applications for sustainable development wherever possible.
For care sector developers and operators, this means applications need to work harder than ever. Demonstrating local demand is important, but schemes must also show how they contribute to broader outcomes, such as reducing pressure on healthcare services, supporting unpaid carers, boosting local economies, and lowering carbon emissions.
Responding with data-driven evidence
At Carterwood, we’ve seen the impact of not providing enough of the right data in planning submissions. Our Development Benefits Assessment (DBA) report was developed to help operators, developers and planning consultants meet these evolving demands head-on.
The idea for the DBA was born from our own experience becoming B Corp certified. Going through the rigorous accreditation process prompted us to think differently about how care schemes create impact. We wanted to apply that learning in a way that would benefit our clients.
The DBA draws on a wide range of economic, social and environmental indicators to highlight the full value of care homes and housing-with-care schemes. It provides credible, regionalised evidence across all three ESG pillars.
Designed to strengthen planning applications and appeals
We know that many applications initially fail because the wider community value of a scheme isn’t clearly evidenced. But we’ve also seen, through our work on appeals, how this can be reversed when detailed insights are brought to the fore.
The DBA complements Carterwood’s Planning Needs Assessment, offering a complete evidence base to support applications from day one, or to turn around previously refused schemes.
Our DBA report includes:
- Economic impact: job creation, supply chain stimulation and increased local spend
- Social value: reduced pressure on unpaid carers, lower hospital admission rates, improved community health outcomes
- Environmental contribution: efficient land use, reduced travel emissions, renewable energy use and low-carbon infrastructure
A trusted dataset, 17 years in the making
The insight behind the DBA is powered by Carterwood’s extensive experience in the care and retirement living sector. Drawing on national government sources, local research, and our datasets from our Carterwood Collab platform, the report delivers a depth of analysis not available anywhere else.
We’ve supported 95% of the UK’s top 20 care operators, and our analytics have shaped successful applications and appeals across the country. As ESG expectations increase and legislation tightens, the DBA offers a clear advantage for those who want to plan and develop responsibly and secure planning permission with confidence.
Want to find out more?
Get in touch to request a sample report or explore how a Development Benefits Assessment could support your next planning application.
