What does SHLAA mean?

A comprehensive guide to "Strategic Housing Land Availability Assessment."

SHLAA stands for Strategic Housing Land Availability Assessment. It is a critical process in the United Kingdom designed to assess and identify potential sites for future housing development. Managed by local planning authorities, the SHLAA is an essential tool for ensuring there is a robust plan for meeting future housing needs.

Why Is SHLAA Important?

The SHLAA plays a key role in the planning and development process. Here’s how it benefits property developers and local authorities:

• Identifies potential sites: SHLAA determines the availability of land suitable for housing development. It identifies specific sites, the constraints on these sites, and estimates the number of potential dwellings. This helps developers understand where and when land might be available for housing.

• Assesses suitability and feasibility: The assessment evaluates whether potential sites are suitable, available, and achievable for development. This includes considerations like infrastructure, environmental impact, and alignment with local policies.

• Informs housing policy: The data from the SHLAA helps local authorities and developers make informed decisions about housing capacity and plan-making. It ensures that planning policies are based on up-to-date and accurate information.

• City-wide assessments: In London, the Mayor conducts a city-wide SHLAA to set borough housing targets, integrating these findings into the London Plan. This provides a comprehensive view of housing needs across the city.

• Not a site allocation exercise: While SHLAA identifies potential sites, it does not allocate sites for development. Sites identified in the SHLAA still need to go through the planning process and obtain planning permission.

How SHLAA benefits property developers

For property developers, SHLAA data is invaluable. It provides:

• Enhanced site identification: Quickly locate areas earmarked for potential development.
• Efficient planning: Assess site viability and planning constraints more effectively.
• Strategic decision-making: Make informed decisions based on robust data on site availability and suitability.

During the SHLAA process, local authorities evaluate various sites to determine their suitability for housing development. Factors like infrastructure, environmental impact, and local policies are considered when assessing these potential sites.

The results of the SHLAA can influence the allocation of land for housing in local development plans, which help guide future development in a given area, so are essential for any property developer.

How Nimbus enhances your SHLAA experience

With Nimbus, you can effortlessly identify SHLAA sites, saving you significant time and effort. Our platform streamlines the process, allowing you to access detailed information within seconds.

• Efficient Access:  Quickly pinpoint SHLAA sites, enabling faster and more informed decision-making.
• Comprehensive Data: Get detailed insights into site constraints and development potential with ease.

Ready to simplify your property search and analysis? Request a free trial of Nimbus today and discover how our platform can help you identify SHLAA sites in seconds, saving you hours of time.

Request a free trial today ⚡ to find out how.