Useful Facts
- Did you know that you might need planning permission from your Local Authority to start a business from home? For example, you may not be able to simply convert your garage into a home office or to permanently keep a commercial vehicle parked out side. You might also find that if your business significantly increases the level of traffic onto your street you might very well be in breach of planning regulations. Always check with your Local Planning Authority before deciding to work from home.
- If a neighbour has trees on the property which have grown over 6 ft 7 inches tall and they refuse to cut them, you are allowed by law to cut them yourself and to return the branches to your neighbour. You also have the option of requesting that your Local Authority cuts the offending trees and or branches, if they over hang but you must first show you made every effort to settle the issue without success with your neighbour.
- If you are purchasing a property you might find that it is a Listed Building . The "listing" of a building provides statutory protection against alteration or demolition which would damage its special architectural or historic interest. Listed Building Consent from the relevant Local Authority is needed for any internal or external alterations, or changes to any structures or objects fixed to the building or within its boundaries. It is a Criminal offence to carry out unauthorised works and unlimited fines can be imposed plus imprisonment of up to 12 months.
- A conservation area is an area of special architectural or historic interest, the character or appearance of which it is desirable to preserve or enhance. The aim is to preserve and enhance the character of the area as a whole. Permitted development rights are removed and you would need special permission to make any changes to the windows, colour or façade of the property. Trees in a conservation area are also given special protection even though they may not be subject to an express Tree Preservation Order.
For more information on any of the above topics or any other queries, please contact:
Bernadette Jackson on 02920 437 644
