Planning
New permitted development rights and the impact it has on agricultural buildings
Posted in News by Lee May on 17th June 2013
This article first appeared in the ‘South East Farmer ’ magazine June 2013 edition.
On 30 May 2013 new permitted development rights came into effect which allow existing agricultural buildings to be used for a variety of non-agricultural purposes without the need to obtain full planning permission.
Developers and householders to benefit in new planning law
Posted in News by Lee May on 29th May 2013
Important changes to the planning system have come into force with the passing into law of the government’s flagship Growth and Infrastructure Act.
Is planning permission required for the intensification of a scrap yard use?
Posted in News by Lee May on 4th April 2013
On 15 November 2012 the Court of Appeal gave its judgement in the case of Hertfordshire County Council v Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government [2012]. The Court upheld an Inspector’s decision that planning permission was not required for an increase in the throughput of material at a scrap yard from 121,174 tonnes a year to 231,716 tonnes. This was so even though there was evidence that the intensification of the use was having a detrimental effect on the neighbours.
Local authority powers to control land adversely affecting amenity
Posted in News by Lee May on 4th April 2013
In addition to their normal development control powers Local Planning Authorities also have the power to require the proper maintenance of land. This power is exercised by the service of what is called a Section 215 Notice, named after the section within the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 which creates the power.
Dream of building your own home? Think again…
Posted in News by Sara Smith on 25th March 2013
It seems that the cost of building your dream home has just got more expensive. The Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) which was first introduced on 6th April 2010, is a planning charge applicable to development where the gross floor space is over 100m2. Only a handful of charging authorities have implemented it but a number of authorities have published their draft schedules. So if it’s not implemented by your charging authority now, it will be on its way.
Planning enforcement – Tightening the rules in cases of deliberate concealment
Posted in News by Lee May on 23rd March 2012
From the 6th April this year the planning enforcement rules will be significantly tightened up as a result of changes being brought about under the Localism Act 2011. The changes, which affect the time limits within which Local Planning Authorities can take enforcement action, are designed to prevent a recurrence of the infamous case of Mr Beesley, who built a house deliberately disguised as a barn in an effort to get around the planning rules.
Know Your Rights: A Guide to Permitted Development
Posted in News by Lee May on 7th July 2011
Farmers enjoy a range of permitted development rights which mean that planning permission is not normally required for much of what they do. However, the rules are complicated and it is not always clear when rights apply. This overview of the system may help farmers avoid some of the pit-falls.
High Speed 2 and the implications for Property Owners
Posted in News by Lee May on 25th March 2011
On 1st March 2011 the Department for Transport published its consultation paper on the construction of the second phase of the proposed national high speed rail network, known as High Speed 2. The government’s plan is for HS2 to run from London’s Euston Station to Birmingham, ultimately linking to Manchester, Sheffield and Leeds.