Preferred options in the construction industry
Contents |
[edit] Introduction
'Preferred options' is a term usually encountered in the early stages of a project, describing acceptable outcomes in a certain arena of activities. A number of options are typically set out that are subsequently considered in more detail, with the aim of selecting a single preferred option for detailed development.
[edit] Local plans
For example, local authorities may prepare preferred options documents as key stages in the preparation of local plans, setting out a council’s preferred spatial and policy approaches for the local plan in preparation. A local plan 'preferred options consultation' document may set out the council's preferred options for bringing about sustainable development within a specific time period. Or, it may set out its preferred policy approach that will help shape its policies for determining planning applications as part of the new local plan, as well as setting out preferred options for new development within its boundaries. This may include preferred sites for new housing, employment, leisure and greenspace over a set, long-term period, possibly 20 years or more.
Prepared options for a new local plan will be published for public consultation over a specified time-frame. When the consultation period is over, the responses from the general public and possibly other stakeholders – e.g developers and local employers – are considered before final decisions are put into the local plan.
[edit] Government preferred options
The UK government publishes its preferred options on a wide-range of issues. It will usually publish its potential options, take into account the subsequent views of stakeholders and reach a conclusion on the way forward.
[edit] Design development
In the early stages of project development, feasibility studies are generally undertaken to assess the options for satisfying the client's needs. This helps decide on a single preferred option that can be developed in more detail.
For more information see: Feasibility study.
This may be followed by the preparation of a full business case and project execution plan for the preferred option and then, if a decision is taken to proceed, a detailed project brief can be prepared that can be used as a basis for a design.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
- Authority monitoring report.
- Community plan.
- Core strategy.
- Development plan.
- Development plan documents.
- Expert panel to streamline local plan-making process.
- Feasibility study.
- Local development framework.
- Neighbourhood plan.
- NPPF.
- Planning authorities.
- Planning legislation.
- Safeguarding land.
- The London Plan.
Featured articles and news
Plumbing and heating for sustainability in new properties
Technical Engineer runs through changes in regulations, innovations in materials, and product systems.
Awareness of the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism
What CBAM is and what to do about it.
The new towns and strategic environmental assessments
12 locations of the New Towns Taskforce reduced to 7 within the new towns draft programme and open consultation.
Buildings that changed the future of architecture. Book review.
The Sustainability Pathfinder© Handbook
Built environment agency launches free Pathfinder© tool to help businesses progress sustainability strategies.
Government outcome to the late payment consultation, ECA reacts.
IHBC 2025 Gus Astley Student Award winners
Work on the role of hewing in UK historic conservation a win for Jack Parker of Oxford Brookes University.
Future Homes Building Standards and plug-in solar
Parts F and L amendments, the availability of solar panels and industry responses.
How later living housing can help solve the housing crisis
Unlocking homes, unlocking lives.
Preparing safety case reports for HRBs under the BSA
A new practical guide to preparing structural inputs for safety cases and safety case reports published by IStructE.
Male construction workers and prostate cancer
CIOB and Prostate Cancer UK encourage awareness of prostate cancer risks, and what to do about it.
The changed R&D tax landscape for Architects
Specialist gives a recap on tax changes for Research and Development, via the ACA newsletter.
Structured product data as a competitive advantage
NBS explain why accessible product data that works across digital systems is key.
Welsh retrofit workforce assessment
Welsh Government report confirms Wales faces major electrical skills shortage, warns ECA.
A now architectural practice looks back at its concept project for a sustainable oceanic settlement 25 years on.
Copyright and Artificial Intelligence
Government report and back track on copyright opt out for AI training but no clear preferred alternative as yet.
Embedding AI tools into architectural education
Beyond the render: LMU share how student led research is shaping the future of visualisation workflows.
Why document control still fails UK construction projects
A Chartered Quantity Surveyor explains what needs to change and how.
Inspiration for a new 2026 wave of Irish construction professionals.
New planning reforms and Warm Homes Bill
Take centre stage at UK Construction Week London.