Developing brownfield land can provide valuable opportunities for property owners, developers and investors looking to bring previously developed land back into productive use. Brownfield sites can range from former industrial premises and commercial sites to previously developed residential land. While these sites can offer significant development potential, they can also present planning, environmental, title and […]
Environmental Legal Advice: What Businesses, Developers and Property Owners Need to Know
Environmental issues can have a significant impact on property development, land transactions, construction projects and business operations. Whether you are purchasing land, developing a property, dealing with potential contamination or facing an environmental dispute, understanding your legal responsibilities at an early stage can help you avoid unnecessary costs and delays. Environmental legal advice can cover […]
Planning Applications and Appeals: A Guide for Property Owners and Developers
Planning a new development, extension, change of use, or other alteration to a property often involves navigating the UK planning system. For many property owners and developers, submitting a planning application can be an important step towards achieving their development plans. However, receiving planning permission is not guaranteed. Applications can be refused for a number […]
Oversailing Licence: Do You Need One for Scaffolding or Building Works
If you are planning building works close to a neighbouring property, you may discover that your proposed works require scaffolding, a crane, hoist or another structure to extend over your neighbour’s land or airspace. In these circumstances, you may need an oversailing licence from your neighbour before the works can begin. Oversailing can arise during […]
Objection to Planning Applications: How to Object Effectively
If a proposed development near your property concerns you, you may have the opportunity to submit an objection to a planning application. Perhaps your neighbour is proposing a large extension, a property is being converted into flats, or a new development could affect parking, privacy, traffic, or the character of the area. In these situations, […]
Reasons to Object to a Planning Permission
If a proposed development could negatively affect your property, local area or surrounding environment, you may be considering whether you have grounds to object.But what are valid reasons to object to planning permission? Not every complaint is a planning objection. The local planning authority must generally focus on material planning considerations when deciding whether a […]
Unilateral Undertaking Planning: What Is It and When Do You Need One?
If you are applying for planning permission, you may be asked to enter into a Section 106 agreement or provide a unilateral undertaking before your planning application can be approved. For developers and landowners, understanding the difference between these two types of planning obligation is important. A unilateral undertaking is a legally binding planning obligation […]
Change of Use Planning: Do You Need Permission?
Changing the use of a property can be an attractive way to make better use of an existing building or adapt a property to meet changing commercial or residential needs. For example, you may want to: Convert an office into residential accommodation Turn a house into an HMO Convert a shop into a restaurant Change […]
How Do I Object to a Planning Objection?
You cannot normally formally object to a planning objection. Instead, you should respond to the issues raised by the objector and provide the local planning authority with evidence explaining why your proposed development remains acceptable. Focus on material planning considerations, correct factual inaccuracies, and refer to relevant planning policies. Receiving an objection to your planning […]
Party Wall Notice: What Is It and When Do You Need to Serve One
If you are planning building work close to or on a boundary shared with your neighbour, you may need to serve a Party Wall Notice before work begins. The notice is an important legal requirement under the Party Wall etc. Act 1996 applies to certain types of construction and excavation work in England and Wales. […]