text: A planning consultancy in the north east is strengthening its focus on the science of population growth, migration rates and housing assessments after seeing demand for residential work rise.
  Signet Planning director James Hobson told Planning: "Population and housing issues such as justifying growth and housing market assessments are becoming very technical, involving projections and modelling.
  "There is no set standard methodology within different local authorities, so it's important to specialise so we can advise house builders on their approach to see if they agree with housing projections, local plans and five-year housing land supplies.
  "Local plans have to be based on sound, evidence-based principles so it's important when assessing housing needs to understand the techniques and methodologies."
  Associate Alastair Willis added:"We are having to expand, which is a reflection of where the market is going – demand is strong in residential development."
  This rising demand has led to expansion at Signet Planning. The 10-year-old practice has grown from a staff of four to 35 across four offices.
  Signet Planning is creating a new post of associate director focusing on housing and population to join its office in Harrogate, North Yorkshire, but work nationally.
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