Design and build: feasibility studies
Contents |
[edit] Introduction
The feasibility studies stage considers the options for satisfying the client's needs, enabling the client to prepare a business case for the preferred option and deciding whether to proceed with the project. It is possible to make an outline planning application during this stage if the risk to the project of not receiving planning permission is high, or if delays in receiving planning permission would be problematic.
[edit] Appointing a consultant team.
The client updates the preliminary business case and strategic brief to reflect comments made at the end of the previous stage and collates pre-construction information ready to issue to the consultant team.
The client appoints the consultant team and other advisers (including independent client advisers). For a detailed description, see work stage: Design and build: appointment.
The client chairs a consultant team start-up meeting to issue information to the consultant team. This is also an opportunity to establish collaborative practices and agree a programme.
The principal designer (if appointed) checks that the client is aware of their duties under the CDM regulations.
[edit] Developing the strategic brief.
The consultant team works with the client to help them develop the strategic brief sufficiently for feasibility studies and options appraisals to be carried out.
The consultant team assesses any site information issued to it by the client, and undertakes site appraisals. The consultant team obtains any further information about the site that might be required to undertake feasibility studies, such as site surveys, information about site services, site access conditions, legislative constraints, existing planning consents etc. Where necessary, approval should be sought from the client (for example site surveys requiring additional expenditure).
The lead consultant co-ordinates the preparation of feasibility studies to establish whether the project is viable, and to identify feasible options. The client considers the feasibility studies, and agrees which options the consultant team should develop.
[edit] Preparing an options review report
The lead designer co-ordinates the identification of any further site surveys or site information required to carry out options appraisals and where appropriate seeks approval from the client.
The lead consultant co-ordinates the preparation of a draft options review report:
- The lead designer co-ordinates the preparation of diagrammatic options studies;
- The principal designer (if appointed at this stage) assesses the risks of the options in relation to the CDM regulations;
- The architect co-ordinates consultations with the local authority and other statutory authorities, and assesses possible planning permission requirements and other statutory requirements (such as the need for an environmental impact assessment for the options). NB See the work stage: Design and build: planning permission for additional information;
- The cost consultant prepares initial cost appraisals of the options.
The client considers the draft options review report and either selects a preferred option or instructs the lead consultant to revise the options review report.
[edit] Preparing a business case and project execution plan.
The lead consultant co-ordinates further assessment of the preferred option to assist the client in preparing a business case and project execution plan, including:
- The lead designer establishes requirements for statutory approvals and other regulations with which the preferred option must comply;
- The lead designer co-ordinates consultations with utility providers, and
- The lead consultant co-ordinates an assessment of the need for specialist advice to develop the preferred option.
With the benefit of assessments carried out by the consultant team, the client develops the preliminary business case into a full business case and project execution plan for the preferred option.
The client considers, and if satisfied, approves the business case and project execution plan for the preferred option and gives instructions to proceed to the next stage, along with any other instructions that may be necessary.
At this stage, the client, lead designer and architect may consider whether it would be appropriate to make an outline planning application for the proposed development and direct the consultant team accordingly (if an outline planning application is required at this stage, go to the work stage: Design and build: planning permission).
Featured articles and news
Licensing construction in the UK
As the latest report and proposal to licence builders reaches Parliament.
Building Safety Alliance golden thread guidance
Extensive excel checklist of information with guidance document freely accessible.
Fair Payment Code and other payment initiatives
For fair and late payments, need to work together to add value.
Pre-planning delivery programmes and delay penalties
Proposed for housebuilders in government reform: Speeding Up Build Out.
High street health: converting a building for healthcare uses
The benefits of health centres acting as new anchor sites in the high street.
The Remarkable Pinwill Sisters: from ‘lady woodcarvers’ to professionals. Book review.
Skills gap and investment returns on apprenticeships
ECA welcomes new reports from JTL Training and The Electrotechnical Skills Partnership.
Committee report criticises UK retrofit schemes
CIOB responds to UK’s Energy Security and Net Zero Committee report.
Design and construction industry podcasts
Professional development, practice, the pandemic, platforms and podcasts. Have we missed anything?
C20 Society; Buildings at Risk List 2025
10 more buildings published with updates on the past decade of buildings featured.
Boiler Upgrade Scheme and certifications consultation
Summary of government consultation, closing 11 June 2025.
Deputy editor of AT, Tim Fraser, discusses the newly formed society with its current chair, Chris Halligan MCIAT.
Barratt Lo-E passivhaus standard homes planned enmasse
With an initial 728 Lo-E homes across two sites and many more planned for the future.
Government urged to uphold Warm Homes commitment
ECA and industry bodies write to Government concerning its 13.2 billion Warm Homes manifesto commitment.
From project managers to rising stars, sustainability pioneers and more.
Places of Worship in Britain and Ireland, 1929-1990. Book review.