More Features and Opinion
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FeaturePlan ahead
In the final article in his series on the property development process, Gavin Le Chat looks at the planning process
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Unplanned events
The government’s new planning white paper proposes significant changes to a planning system already changed by the pandemic. Anna Russell-Knee provides a personal perspective on the current planning system and the proposals
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Let there be light
As the government further loosens planning restrictions to aid economic recovery, David Manda provides a timely reminder on rights to light, and what developers can do to avoid costly litigation and potential changes to their developments
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Building blocks
Anna Russell-Knee provides a beginner’s guide to section 106 obligations, including their purpose, what to consider when one appears on a local search, and the potential effects of the pandemic on these obligations
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The black list
Making unauthorised changes to listed buildings or scheduled monuments can carry significant penalties, Beth Harries explains. How should you advise clients looking to buy a property which might be affected?
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Clear water
If you are acting for a buyer of a property on a water course, do you know the rights they might have, and the liabilities that might arise? Richard Bagwell outlines the principles
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Down to earth
Caroline May and Courtney Hassall provide a guide to common environmental issues which can affect property transactions, and offer tips for property lawyers to mitigate the risks
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Onwards and upwards
The government is planning to introduce a new permitted development right for upwards extensions, as part of its plans to deliver new homes. John Pearce outlines the plans and what they might mean in practice
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Plan of action
Last year, the government published a significantly revised version of the National Planning Policy Framework. Anna Russell-Knee outlines some of the changes, and how they will affect clients wishing to develop property now and in the future
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The green stuff
It is nearly a year since the minimum energy efficiency standard regime came into force. Sue Highmore reflects on its effect on residential clients – including the financial impact – and outlines changes coming into force on 1 April 2019
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Mending fences
Newspapers are always full of stories of escalating disputes between neighbours. But nuisance doesn’t need to be about noise – as shown by a recent case on Japanese knotweed. Richard Bagwell provides a short guide to remedies for nuisance
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A knotty problem
Japanese knotweed has been back in the news, following a high-profile Court of Appeal case. Michael Draper and Dan Eastwood provide a back to basics guide, including the options for land- and homeowners with Japanese knotweed on their property
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Forgive and forget
Certificates of lawful development provide a way for property owners to prove the lawfulness of unauthorised development, after a certain period of time has passed. Anna Russell-Knee explains how they work in practice
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The green light
From April 2018, new regulations will make it significantly harder for landlords to rent property with an energy efficiency rating below ‘E’. Warren Gordon looks at the lease drafting implications, and potential exemptions from the new requirements
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Within reason
Recent case law and regulations confirm that local planning authorities must give reasons for either granting planning permission or refusing to grant it. Anna Russell-Knee explains what this means for those wanting to challenge a planning decision
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The green light
The government has recently introduced a number of amendments affecting permitted development rights. Anna Russell-Knee outlines the changes
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Above water
Flood Re has been in force for over a year, but it isn’t a panacea: many properties are excluded, and premiums will continue to rise even for those included. Sue Highmore outlines when, how and what you should advise clients around flood risk
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Stormy weather
Most property solicitors are not specialists in environmental law, but are increasingly finding that environmental issues impact on transactions. Andrew Wiseman outlines some of the most common environmental issues affecting property transactions
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Hidden agenda
Concealed development first made headlines in 2011, when Robert Fidler built a mansion and hid it behind a wall of hay bales. Anna Russell outlines the current law around permission for development, including where there is concealment or deception
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Right away
Matthew White examines the new power to override easements and other rights under section 203 of the Housing and Planning Act 2016
