This article provides an overview of DevAssess reports, explaining what they are, what they cover, and the different report options available.

DevAssist

A property purchase is not only about what is there today. Nearby land, planning policy, emerging allocations and future development can affect outlook, enjoyment, desirability, marketability and value. That future picture is not always apparent from what can be seen on the ground, or from standard conveyancing searches alone.

DevAssist is not a search provider. It is a specialist planning service. Planning experts investigate the wider location and interpret complex planning information, including planning history, adopted and emerging Local Plan policy, SHELAA, land allocations, promoted land and development pressure, to explain what the information could mean for the specific property. This saves conveyancers the time and burden of interpreting complex raw planning data themselves and gives clients an accessible, professional assessment before exchange. Reports are user friendly, quick to order and supported by relevant evidence where applicable.

Why it matters

Over 50% of DevAssist reports currently identify a high risk of development in close proximity to a property. DevAssist looks beyond basic planning data to identify current and potential future development risk, including sites that may have no planning history. This helps buyers make informed decisions, gives lenders greater insight into valuation risk and supports conveyancers by providing a documented record of additional location due diligence. DevAssist states that liability for interpretation of the planning data lies with DevAssist, helping protect the solicitor's professional indemnity position.

Types of DevAssess reports

• DevAssess
• DevAssess Premium Residential
• DevAssess Premium Commercial
• Dev City
• Dev Probate

DevAssess Report

Assesses the risk of development occurring within a 75-metre radius (measured from the centre of the main structure), while also evaluating the development potential of the subject property itself. 

What's included?

• Clear, accessible, and user-friendly reporting 
• Planning data included at no additional cost 
• Identification and analysis of historical planning applications within the search area 
• Explanation of relevant Local Plan policies 
• Identification of potential future development sites where no planning history currently exists 
• Detailed analysis of Strategic Housing and Economic Land Availability Assessment (SHELAA) sites under consideration for future allocation 
• Detailed mapping highlighting potential development sites 
• Professional opinion on the development potential of the subject property 
• Supporting planning evidence included within the report appendix where active or historical sites are identified 

Suitable for

• Small residential properties under 0.25 acres 

Turnaround time

• 5 working days 

DevAssess Premium Residential Report

Provides a detailed assessment of development risk within 75 metres of the property’s boundaries, alongside expert insight into the subject property’s own development potential. Offering greater depth than DevAssess, this report is highly recommended for residential sites over 0.25 acres and essential for clients seeking maximum planning risk clarity. 

What's included?

• Clear, accessible, and user-friendly reporting 
• Review of the relevant planning history relating to the subject property 
• Includes the cost of planning data 
• Identification and analysis of historical planning applications within the search area 
• Assessment of adopted and emerging Local Plan policies 
• Identification of potential future development sites where no planning history currently exists 
• Identification of land allocated for future development
• Detailed analysis of Strategic Housing and Economic Land Availability Assessment (SHELAA) sites under consideration for allocation 
• Evidence of the local authority's housing delivery status, highlighting the area's vulnerability to speculative or hostile planning applications 
• Assessment of existing and potential traveller sites 
• Review of proposed and planned changes to nearby infrastructure 
• Detailed mapping highlighting potential development sites 
• Professional opinion on the development potential of the subject property 
• Aerial photography providing additional site context 
• Supporting planning evidence included within the report appendix where active or historical sites are identified 

Suitable for

• Residential properties larger than 0.25 acres (up to 30 acres) or risk averse clients

Turnaround time

• 3 working days 

DevAssess Premium Commercial Report

DevAssess Premium Commercial provides commercial purchasers, investors, lenders, and company directors with the information needed to make informed decisions. By identifying development risks, future planning risks, and redevelopment opportunities, the report delivers valuable insight into both the immediate surroundings and the long-term prospects of a commercial asset. 

What's included?

Turnaround time

• 3 working days 

DevCity Report

Analyses urban locations for potential development and property modifications, such as basement or rooftop extensions and change-of- use schemes. This is their most comprehensive report particularly suited to high- value or city centre locations where development pressure is typically greatest.  

What's included

• Clear, accessible, and user-friendly reporting 
• Review of the relevant planning history relating to the subject property 
• Identification and analysis of historical planning applications within the search area 
• Assessment of adopted and emerging Local Plan policies 
• Identification of potential future development sites where no planning history currently exists 
• Identification of land allocated for future development 
• Detailed analysis of SHELAA (Strategic Housing and Economic Land Availability Assessment) sites under consideration for allocation 
• Identification of planning applications that may impact the subject property 
• Comprehensive manual search of the local planning register 
• Inclusion of relevant domestic planning applications that could affect the property 
• Analysis of neighbouring properties' potential for extension or alteration 
• Detailed risk assessment of each identified development site 
• Professional commentary on the development potential of the subject property 
• Detailed mapping highlighting potential development sites 
• Aerial photography providing additional site context 
• Supporting planning evidence included within the report appendix where active or historical sites are identified 
• Comprehensive advice on alternative exit strategies for investors 

Suitable for

• Residential or commercial properties that reside in urban areas where there is always a high risk of major development nearby
• Properties over 1 acre are priced on an individual basis

Turnaround time

• 5 working days 

DevProbate Report 

This report explores the development potential of residential or commercial properties under 0.25 acres, helping ensure assets are not undersold. Executors have a responsibility to achieve best value, and this report provides the crucial insight needed to support that duty. 

Included 

• Clear, accessible, and user-friendly reporting 
• Review of the relevant planning history relating to the subject property 
• Assessment of adopted and emerging Local Plan policies 
• Detailed analysis of the development potential of the subject property 
• Detailed mapping highlighting potential development sites 

Suitable for

• Residential or commercial probate under 0.25 acres (sites over 0.25 acres are priced on an individual basis)

Turnaround time

• 3 working days 

Fast Track

All of the above reports can be Fast Tracked for an additional cost, with reports returned within 1 working day.

How to order

These reports can be ordered through our Unity Platform. Alternatively, please email uksearchsupport@dyedurham.com, and our team can assist you with placing the order.

Sample reports and product cards

Please see attached to this article product cards and samples for each report.