Government launches inquiry on Japanese knotweed and the built environment
The Science and Technology Committee intends to hold an oral evidence session in early 2019 to explore the science behind the effects of Japanese Knotweed on the built environment
New report reveals large leap in home renovations as market slows
A new report by insurers Hiscox lifts the lid on home improvement trends across the country, and reveals that a subdued property market has driven a five-fold rise in renovations in five years.
Law Commission launches consultation to simplify the planning process in Wales
The Law Commission has launched a consultation proposing that a new planning code for Wales is needed to get the country building, and further protect heritage and the environment
New guidance on minimum energy efficiency standards for non-domestic property
In February, the government released new guidance on the operation of the regulations behind the minimum energy efficiency standards for non-domestic property, coming into force in April 2018. Warren Gordon outlines the key points of the guidance
Features and opinion
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
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
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
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
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
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
