How to write one SDS outcome

The test

Write the outcome. Then answer, out loud:

1. What would I see if this worked?
2. What number would I collect?
3. Where does that number already exist?
4. What would I do in year two if the number went the wrong way?

If (3) is blank, stop. Put the sentence back in the vision.

Example 1 — housing and infrastructure from the outset

Too vague. "Everyone can access high-quality homes that support thriving communities, with facilities close by."

As an outcome. Everyone can access a high-quality home that remains affordable across generations. A school, a surgery, a shop and open space are within an easy walk of new homes and are open from the outset, not years after occupation.

Measure. Affordable completions by tenure; months between first occupation and the first school, surgery or shop opening.

Indicator. Percentage of completions that are affordable, by tenure. In each broad location, months from first occupation to the first school, surgery or shop.

Dataset. MHCLG live tables / LPA AMRs / education authority and ICB.

The useful move is from the outset. Without a trigger (a month, or a number of occupations), "close by" cannot fail, so it cannot be monitored.

Example 2 — water as a limit, not a hope

Too vague. "Growth is sustainable and respects the environment."

As an outcome. Water supply and wastewater capacity are secure for the strategy period. The housing trajectory fits the water-company plans.

Measure. Supply-demand balance in the WRMP; wastewater headroom in the DWMP.

Indicator. Whether the SDS trajectory still fits those plans at each annual report. If it does not, the outcome has failed.

Dataset. Water company WRMP and DWMP / Environment Agency.

Example 3 — transport before the estate is finished

Too vague. "People and goods move easily and sustainably."

As an outcome. New homes are planned so that a frequent public-transport service and a safe walking route are available when people move in.

Measure. Homes completed within a stated walk of a frequent bus or rail service; date the service starts relative to first occupations.

Indicator. Percentage of new homes that meet the access standard in the year they complete.

Dataset. DfT / operator data / LPA.

A note on copying London or Wales

The London Plan's six Good Growth objectives and the seven Welsh well-being goals are real, published models. They show that outcomes can be few and named. They do not give you the measures for a different geography. Rewrite, then attach data. See the growth-corridor worked set for ten filled rows.