As of 5th January 2016, Housing Zones across the country will begin to receive funding aimed at kick starting building work for tens of thousands of homes…
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Tag: building
2015 – Planning Law Focus
A look back on some of 2015’s biggest property law cases and legislation
Another year has passed us by and case and statute law have both continued to evolve the planning process and the property industry landscape throughout the year. We look back on some of the more significant changes that will affect all of us in the industry, moving forward into 2016…
To read the whole article, click here.
Back by popular demand – The origins of place names in England
In England, prior to the 15th Century, the majority of place names were adaptations of the location or features of the landscape or referred to the land ownership. We explore the most common names and prefixes in use around Britain today…
To read the whole article, click here.
In case you missed it – Widow banned from her new property because it was the ‘wrong colour’ – leaving her homeless
Jayne Fawcett, aged 62, left “homeless†after being told that she must change the colour of the property that she designed with her late husband…
Plans for House Building are boosted by More Than 10% By Neighbourhood Planning Powers
Housing and Planning Minister Brandon Lewis announces that areas taking advantage of new planning powers, have seen an increase in house building of 10%…
To read the whole article, click here.
Japanese Knotweed – Your guide to identifying and dealing with this silent invader
Japanese Knotweed is Britain’s most invasive non-native plant. We look at how you can best identify and manage the threat, helping you to avoid the devastating effects Knotweed can bring – from structural damage, to loss of sale and a compromised mortgage…
Housing Group Becomes the First to Use Drones in the Housing Sector
Walsall Housing Group has become the first housing association in the country to secure permission from the Civil Aviation Authority to fly drones over their housing stock. Though other authorities have ruled out using the equipment for cost reasons, Walsall have stated that they estimate the cost savings to be around £20,000 a year.
The move has led to a debate over the legal ramifications, with particular regard to the Data Protection Act 1998. Whilst the legal obligations on domestic drone users are fairly light and essentially extend to a requirement to use them in a responsible way which protects the privacy of others, the requirements on commercial use are more stringent.
The Information Commissioners Office’s (ICO) CCTV Code of Practice provides that as drones are privacy intrusive, justifications for their use are imperative. As such, a company or housing association will ideally need to undertake a ‘privacy impact assessment’ or similar to determine whether drones are appropriate, or whether another method would minimise the privacy impact. This would operate in much the same way as a risk assessment.
The same Code also offers several additional recommendations to ensure compliance with Data Protection:
- Any data captured should be securely stored
- Recording should be limited only to the defined purpose
- Retained data should only be kept for its stated use
- Consider ‘privacy by design’ – eg. Methods or technologies which allow restricted views or a specific focus.
- Data access should be restricted to only those who need it
- Consider ways to provide fair processing information to those likely to be affected.
The guidance from the ICO indicates that Housing Associations, and all other companies looking to integrate drones into their processes, should be aware of the data implications. Whilst HAs like Walsall Housing Group evidently see a cost advantage, that net benefit may in some cases be eroded by the additional administration costs of satisfying their information obligations.
SRJ 19.10.15
Looking for a Property Surveyor in Cheam?
Building and Property Surveyors Cheam
Do you need a local independent Chartered Surveyor in Cheam or the surrounding area? We can assist, including being able to provide a structural survey, major defects report, single fault assessment, rebuilding / reinstatement valuation, building survey, property valuation, homebuyers report, property acquisition advice, or other property assistance.
Chris Hunt MRICS
Chartered Surveyor
0203 390 3203
or Freephone on 0800 880 6264
“My surveying experience extends from a solid core of survey reports, like the HomeBuyers Survey and the House Purchase Survey, to a wide range of residential and commercial expert surveys, valuations and reports. I can highlight any and all issues and defects at your potential property purchase or your current home, making sure you have all the information you need to proceed.
“If you are buying a property, you could save thousands in unexpected remedial works by instructing us to carry out a property survey on your behalf. Please don’t hesitate to give me a call”
Chris will deal with you directly, giving free, impartial advice on choosing the service that’s best for you. Our fees are all inclusive, so time you need to discuss the building, structure and defects after the report is free. There are no hidden costs.
Find out more about our experienced local Chartered Surveyor / Director here.
Looking for a surveyor in Newbury?
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These are actual buildings inspected by McCall & Co, chartered surveyors of the propertysurveying network.
Pre-purchase (or pre-lease) Residential Property Surveys by McCall & Co Chartered Surveyors with experience of Period, Individual and Character houses and cottages, including with thatch and/or timber-framed walls, and/or cob walls. Personal service for discerning buyers covering the Newbury area, Berkshire.
For an informal, friendly, no- obligation discussion, please call Ian McCall TD, FRICS on
01488 686 986
 Connecting you to Independent Chartered Surveyors
www.propertysurveying.co.uk
…for all your building survey and property requirements
Are you buying a commercial property in Dewsbury?
Property and Building Surveyors Dewsbury
01138 500 501
or Freephone on 0800 880 6264
Are you buying a new house or commercial property? Our Director will deal with you directly, giving free, impartial advice on choosing a survey. We quote flat fees, so time you need to discuss the building, structure and defects after the report is free. There are no hidden costs.
We are a local practice of Chartered Surveyors covering Dewsbury, Cullingworth, Denholme, Haworth, Wilsden and the surrounding Dewsbury area, helping clients with both residential survey and commercial property issues.
Please telephone George Passey FRICS and the team to discuss your building survey or other property requirements. We are a chartered surveyors practice covering Dewsbury, Mirfield, Ossett and the surrounding area, helping clients with both residential survey and commercial property issues.
Connecting you to Independent Chartered Surveyors
www.propertysurveying.co.uk
…for all your building survey and property requirements