Buying or owning land does not automatically mean that it can be developed. Whether you are considering building a house, developing commercial premises, changing the use of land or promoting land for future development, understanding the planning position is essential. Planning permission can be one of the most important issues affecting the value and potential […]
Adverse Possession of Domestic Gardens
We regularly have enquiries from clients who wish to claim ownership of land by adverse possession or whose land is subject to an adverse possession claim by someone else. To claim adverse possession, you must prove factual possession, an intention to possess, occupation without consent, and continuous use for the required number of years. • […]
Local Plan Regulation 19 Consultation
Overview The Local Plan is the main planning document prepared by local planning authorities, under statutory requirements. It outlines a council’s long term planning framework with strategic and non-strategic planning policies. The Local Plan provides policy guidance on delivering new homes and jobs, protecting landscape resources and green infrastructure. It establishes the council’s strategy for […]
Party Wall Agreement: What Happens If Your Neighbour Refuses to Agree?
Planning building work can become more complicated when the proposed development affects a neighbouring property. An extension, loft conversion, basement project or structural alteration may require a property owner to follow the procedures set out under the Party Wall etc. Act 1996. This can involve serving a party wall notice on an adjoining owner before […]
Section 278 Agreement: When Do You Need One and How Much Does It Cost?
A proposed development may sometimes require works to be carried out on the public highway before the development can proceed. These works could include creating a new access, improving a junction, widening a road, installing pedestrian crossings or making other changes to the highway network. In these circumstances, a Section 278 Agreement may be required. […]
Grounds to Object to Planning Permission: A Guide to Making an Effective Planning Objection
When a planning application is submitted for development near your home, business or land, you may have concerns about how the proposal could affect you and the surrounding area. You may be worried about increased traffic, overlooking, loss of privacy, noise, flooding, the impact on local character or the scale of the proposed development. However, […]
How Much Does an Easement Cost? A Guide to Easement Costs in the UK
Easements are important legal rights that can affect how land is accessed, used and developed. Whether you need to create a new right of way, formalise an existing access arrangement or deal with an easement affecting your property, understanding the potential costs is essential. The cost of an easement in the UK can vary considerably […]
Industrial Property Planning: A Guide to Planning Permission for Industrial and Commercial Development
Industrial property plays an important role in the UK economy. From warehouses and distribution centres to manufacturing facilities, storage buildings and industrial estates, these properties support employment, logistics, production and business growth. However, developing, purchasing, extending or changing the use of industrial property can raise important planning issues. A proposal may require planning permission for […]
Easements in Land Law: A Guide for Property Owners and Landowners
Easements are an important aspect of land and property law. They can affect how land is used, developed, accessed and enjoyed, and they may continue to bind land even when ownership changes. A property owner may have the right to cross neighbouring land, use a private road, access utilities or benefit from another specific right. […]
Unilateral Undertaking: What Property Owners and Developers Need to Know
Planning permission can sometimes involve more than submitting application forms, architectural drawings and supporting documents. Where a proposed development creates impacts that need to be addressed, a planning obligation may be required before planning permission can be granted. One way of securing a planning obligation is through a unilateral undertaking. A unilateral undertaking is a […]