Planning Reports and Due Diligence
27th June 2012
Planning reports minimise your liabilities and protects the value and saleability of your client’s home and the well-being of their family. Fundamentally buyers/developers need an awareness of planning issues affecting the property and surrounding area. The reasons why you should consider planning reports during the conveyancing process are numerous:
- There are many cases of litigation due to planning disputes. In fact the likelihood of liability as a result of a planning issue is greater than that for land contamination.
- A planning report can show restrictions to proposed alterations, developments e.g. conservation areas.
- They clearly show current and proposed development plans which may affect the area e.g. conservation area.
- The reports highlight telecommunication masts within 250m – some research suggests electromagnetic fields may cause adverse health effect in some.
- Town/village green applications demonstrate the need to be aware of land use designations and rights of way.
- The reports show footpaths and rights of way in close proximity to the property. These could be viewed as both a positive (quick access to public transport), or a negative (easy access to burglars or make the area noisier due to foot traffic).
- A planning report could disclose potential sources of nuisance – conversion of a house into flats causing more noise and congestion, proposed sewerage treatment works etc. which an environmental report may not.
- Neighbourhood information shows key demographics (types of people living there), school performance and amenities.
National Planning Policy Framework
It is likely that the March 2012 amendments to the National Planning Policy Framework will make development easier. This therefore further reinforces the need for lawyers to consider planning reports as part of the conveyancing process, to help reduce the potential of liability as a result of a planning issue.
Planning Reports
Residential
Landmark Plansearch – £24 + VAT
Landmark Plansearch Plus – £31 + VAT
Groundsure Planning – £21.27 + VAT
Commercial
Landmark Sitecheck Planning – from £115+VAT
Groundsure Planning – from £100 + VAT
If you have any queries, please contact your account manager.
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