With planning and building regulation control becoming more restrictive and enforcement ever stricter it is more important than ever to ensure that any development already carried out to a property you intend to buy or any development which you wish to undertake to property you already own complies with all the necessary controls. For this purpose “development” includes not only physical works but also material changes of use, such as the sub-division of a house into flats or change of use of all or part of a house to offices.

Should you wish to sell a property upon which you have carried out any work, buyers (and their lenders) now insist upon evidence that all works, however minor, have been undertaken in accordance with planning law and that they meet modern building regulations requirements. Even replacement windows may require statutory consents. We can provide you with expert advice and assistance in all planning matters and if you would like to discuss your requirements in detail, or to obtain an idea of the costs involved, please telephone or email a member of our team direct by clicking on their individual link.

You may also like to read our guides to Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas and Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

It may be that development of a property which you already own, or which you intend to buy, has been carried out in the past without necessary planning permission. We may be able to assist you in obtaining a retrospective certificate of lawful use or development in respect of it from the local council.

As well as handling planning applications for those who wish to carry out development, we also frequently advise clients how to mount more effective objections to planning applications submitted by others.

For further advice contact our team direct or talk to your usual contact in the firm.