How to deal with planning enforcement action by a local planning authority Councils have a range of powers to take enforcement action against owners and occupiers where there has been a breach of planning rules. We regularly advise clients on how to manage situations where enforcement has been threatened or already started. Confirmed breaches of […]
Agricultural Land Planning Permission: A Guide for Landowners and Developers
Agricultural land can offer significant opportunities for farming, rural businesses, diversification and development. However, using agricultural land for a new purpose or carrying out development on it does not automatically mean planning permission will be available. Whether you are considering building an agricultural structure, converting a farm building, establishing a rural business, developing a holiday […]
Green Belt Planning Permission: A Guide for Landowners and Developers
Green Belt planning permission can be challenging for landowners and developers because Green Belt policy places particular importance on protecting openness and preventing urban sprawl. However, being located within the Green Belt does not mean that all development is prohibited. Certain forms of development may be considered appropriate in the Green Belt, while other proposals […]
Planning Permission on Agricultural Land: A Guide for Landowners and Developers
Agricultural land can provide opportunities for farming, rural businesses, diversification and development. However, owning agricultural land does not automatically give a landowner the right to build houses, establish a commercial business or change the use of the land. Whether planning permission is required will depend on the proposed development, the existing lawful use of the […]
Land Planning Permission: A Guide for Landowners and Developers
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, […]