Planning
All material building operations and changes in use of land require a planning permission. Local planning authorities can require development to stop within days. In some cases there is no right of appeal, and where there are such rights, failing to exercise them in a limited time can sometimes extinguish those rights altogether.
Many trees are protected; so are important hedgerows; land in conservation areas is subject to special requirements; advertisements require consent; listed buildings are specially protected. A development may involve payment of a "community infrastructure levy".
Failure to comply with planning requirements can be a criminal offence and the draconian provisions of the Proceeds of Crime Act can be invoked. Actions by tenants can in some cases make owners automatically liable for a criminal offence.
An intended use of land involving a "material change" from an existing use needs a fresh planning permission.
Competent and prompt advice on these matters is a vital necessity for all who deal in real estate. This requires full and up-to-date access to source materials and wide experience of the practical application of this specialist area of law - something which Wollastons is well placed to provide.
Contact:
Jim Little :
T: 01245 211278 E: jim.little@wollastons.co.uk