Early engagement with the community and the planning authority is key. It helps to bring order and information to the process. It can prevent issues mushrooming, with some careful explanation of the proposal. Engagement helps to break down barriers; communities need a voice and it’s right that they should have one. But engagement also presents an opportunity to
Monthly Archives: October 2015
Shale Gas: Plan for a bumpy road ahead
Time is money. The shale gas sector wants quicker planning decisions. Local Planning Authorities are chronically under resourced. How can the industry navigate a planning process which has integrity without offending the “fifth official” – the public? The European Shale Gas and Oil Summit has seen many questions debated, but not many answers. Panel member,
Regulation of assured shorthold tenancies is tightened from 1 October 2015
From 1 October 2015, landlords must use a new, prescribed form of notice when ending an assured shorthold tenancy (“AST”) granted on or after that date. Additionally, landlords will not be able to recover possession unless they have previously provided certain documents relating to the property and the tenant’s rights and responsibilities. An assured shorthold
Goodbye to generation rent?
The government’s penchant for home ownership shows no sign of abating. First we had the Right to Buy and now Starter Homes is again stealing the headlines. Starter Homes is a new government programme to build low-cost homes for first time buyers who are under 40. Prices are at least 20% lower than the market
Strategic Land Debate 2015
Last week, Hogan Lovells hosted the 2015 Strategic Land Debate. Members of the development industry listened to a panel of leading property and planning individuals debate key questions on how the provision of housing can be increased to meet the enormous shortfall faced in the UK. A thought-provoking keynote introduction from Andrew Jones at AECOM
Time to get alarmed: smoke and carbon monoxide detectors required from today
As from 1 October, landlords of residential properties in the private rented sector must ensure that their properties are kitted out with working carbon monoxide detectors and smoke alarms. Although the House of Lords was concerned that the legislation is poorly drafted and the changes have not been well publicised, the draft Regulations were approved