Buying or developing land can involve risks that are not immediately visible. One of the most important environmental issues property owners, developers and investors may need to consider is land contamination. Previous industrial, commercial or agricultural activities can leave substances in or on land that may affect human health, the environment, property value or future […]
HMO Planning Permission: What Property Owners and Landlords Need to Know
Converting a property into a House in Multiple Occupation (HMO) can be an attractive opportunity for landlords and property investors. However, before converting a house into an HMO, extending an existing property, or purchasing a property for this purpose, it is important to understand the planning and legal requirements that may apply. Depending on the […]
Restrictive Covenant Solicitors: Legal Advice for Property Owners and Developers
Buying, selling or developing property can become more complicated when a restrictive covenant affects the land. A covenant may restrict what you can build, how you can use a property or whether certain alterations can be carried out. For homeowners, developers and property investors, discovering a restrictive covenant can raise important questions. Can the covenant […]
Sunlight Objections: How to Challenge Development Affecting Natural Sunlight
A proposed development can sometimes affect the amount of direct sunlight reaching a neighbouring home, garden or other external space. Extensions, taller buildings and new developments may create additional overshadowing or change the amount of sunlight available to existing properties. If you are concerned about the potential impact of a planning proposal, you may be […]
Restrictive Covenants: Understanding Property Restrictions and Your Legal Options
What Is a Restrictive Covenant? A restrictive covenant is a legally binding obligation that restricts how land can be used or developed. It is a private legal restriction attached to land and can continue to affect a property even after ownership changes. Restrictive covenants are commonly created when land is sold, divided into separate […]
Commercial Planning Permission: A Guide for Property Owners and Developers
Commercial property development can involve significant investment, whether you are opening a new business, converting an existing property, extending commercial premises, or changing how a building is used. Before starting work, it is important to establish whether commercial planning permission is required and whether there are other planning or legal restrictions that could affect your […]
Daylight Objections: How to Object to a Development Affecting Natural Light
When a proposed development could reduce the amount of natural light reaching your home or property, daylight objections may be relevant to the planning process. New buildings, extensions and other developments can sometimes affect the amount of daylight or sunlight available to neighbouring properties. This can be particularly concerning where a proposed development is close […]
Judicial Review Planning Permission: Grounds, Process and Legal Options
Planning decisions can have significant consequences for property owners, developers, neighbours, and local communities. While the planning system provides routes for appealing certain decisions, there are circumstances where a planning decision may be challenged in the High Court through judicial review. Judicial review is different from a planning appeal. It does not give the court […]
Environmental Assessments: What Property Owners and Developers Need to Know
Environmental considerations can play an important role in property development and planning applications. Depending on the nature, location and potential impact of a proposed development, an environmental assessment may be required before a planning decision can be made. For property owners and developers, understanding environmental assessment requirements at an early stage can help identify potential […]
Removing a Chimney Breast: Do You Need a Party Wall Agreement?
Chimney Breast: Do You Need a Party Wall Agreement? Removing a chimney breast can create valuable additional space inside a property, particularly where an unused fireplace takes up part of a bedroom, living room or other area. However, removing a chimney breast is not simply a matter of taking down masonry and closing up the […]