Fisher German is one of the region’s leading providers of comprehensive town planning and surveying advice offering detailed knowledge and specialist advice on the constantly changing national and local town planning system.

Most local planning authorities across the North West have a local plan in place and many parishes are progressing neighbourhood plans. There is still the opportunity in many authorities to submit sites for potential allocation in local or neighbourhood plans and our experts can help advice on this process. 

Further changes are on the way with more local planning authorities introducing Community Infrastructure Levy, a planning charge payable on certain development types which helps to deliver the infrastructure required to support new development in an area.

In England, the Housing and Planning Bill is progressing towards Royal Assent, expected later this year. Whilst the Bill is yet to be finalised, a number of proposed measures will have impacts in taking forward schemes, for example on affordable housing delivery.

The changes to permitted development rights, has seen a significant increase in clients realising the potential of their assets by converting agricultural buildings to residential use. We are currently advising a wide range of clients looking to progress development opportunities for their land and buildings on a range of schemes across Cheshire, the Wirral, Staffordshire and North Wales.

Recently, the government has also made permanent the permitted development rights for change of use from office to residential. This means that office buildings can be converted to residential use without applying for detailed planning permission, subject to meeting a set of conditions that require ‘prior approval’ from the local planning authority.

Fisher German has both town planning and building surveying experts in the North West, on hand to provide a comprehensive service in preparing planning applications and submitting the necessary plans. Fisher German can also advise landowners and prospective developers on progressing new build development proposals through the planning system, whether this involves submitting applications or promoting sites thorough Local and Neighbourhood Plans.

If you have planning enquiries for land or buildings that you wish to discuss, please contact our north west regional planner Ian Stevens on 01244 409660 or email ian.stevens@fishergerman.co.uk

What compensation is available for those affected by Phase 2a of HS2?

Those within the safeguarded area, subject to eligibility can serve a blight notice on the Secretary of State for Transport asking the Government to purchase their property. Where a blight notice is accepted then you will receive the unblighted market value of the property, together with either a home loss payment or other appropriate loss payment. HS2 Limited will also pay other costs including disturbance costs. For those outside of the safeguarded area, then there is presently only the Government’s discretionary Exceptional Hardship Scheme available, although further Government schemes may be launched later this year.

 What compensation is available for those affected by the rest of Phase 2 of HS2?

At present there is only the Government’s Exceptional Hardship Scheme available. Any application in respect to an agricultural unit must include the dwelling. 

HS2 is going through my land. What do you suggest I do?

Early dialogue with HS2 Limited is essential. From our experience of dealing with infrastructure projects, communication is vital to minimise disruption to the affected business, both in terms of agreeing works to accommodate the business during the construction process, but also to future proof the business once the scheme is operational.

At present on Phase 2a, HS2 Limited are wishing to carry out ecological surveys. Fisher German have re-negotiated the Early Access agreement for this. Our version is clearer, payment more generous and our fees are still paid by HS2 Limited.

Liz says, “It is likely within the next month or so that landowners along the route of Phase 2a will also be approached by representatives of HS2 Limited wishing to undertake a Farm Interview assessment. Whilst we are engaging with HS2 Limited in this regard, we are urging those affected to have sight of the questionnaire in advance of the interview”.

Fisher German have the resources available at local and national level across HS2 to ensure the best possible service for our Clients, and have a range of in-house consultants that we can call upon within the business when their expertise is required.

If you are affected by HS2 or other infrastructure scheme then please contact Liz Farrall at our Stafford office on 01785 275392.  liz.farrall@fishergerman.co.uk

 Knutsford office 01565 566566.hugh.maxfield@fishergerman.co.uk

The farm buildings, which have been used largely for storage of agricultural equipment and miscellanea for many years were destroyed by the fire in a matter of minutes.

Fisher German have been managing the Estate for over 50 years and have now been instructed to act in respect of the rebuilding of the fire damaged sections which equates to approximately fifty five percent of the entire building range. The buildings are listed and therefore will have to be carefully restored using locally sourced materials to match those parts which escaped the fire.

The Estate has considered various non- agricultural options for the future uses of the building range, once the restoration has been completed, which includes conversion to residential accommodation or commercial uses. 

A decision has now been made to develop the barns, subject to obtaining the necessary local authority consents to include planning,  into a residential use with up to six properties being created ranging from two to four bedroom cottages. 

The Planning and Building Surveying department in the Chester office is working closely with the Estate Trustees to help achieve their objectives for this part of the Estate and will shortly be submitting a planning pre-application to Cheshire West and Chester Council to assess their thoughts over a residential conversion proposal. It is hoped that, subject to planning approval being obtained, that the conversion work will commence in early 2017.

Contact ian.stevens@fishergerman.co.uk Planning

Contact alex.broad@fishergerman.co.uk Building Surveying

The regulations came into force on 1^st April this year and apply to both commercial and residential property. The Regulations state that properties with an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating of F or G are to be classified as “Sub-Standard”. The clock is ticking…. 

From 1^st April 2018        Landlord’s of commercial property must not grant a lease of “sub-standard” property

From 1^st April 2023        Landlord’s of commercial property must not continue to let “sub-standard” property

It is estimated that approximately 20% of property falls within the, “sub-standard” category. 

The market for commercial property has been strengthening in the last 18 to 24 months, particularly from investors wishing to purchase industrial units. We have clients who are keen to purchase industrial properties but are unable to source suitable properties to buy. The impact of this is that prices have increased. 

Demand for office space and retail space is weaker. However, the market has improved since the downturn in the economy. 

So what will be the impact of the change in legislation? 

If a property falls into the sub-standard category then as of 1^st April 2018, owners will be unable to grant a lease of the property. This will limit the income that can be generated from the property. Potential purchasers are already seeking properties that have an EPC rating of E or better. Discounts will need to be offered on “sub-standard” properties. 

The solution will be to undertake improvements to the building which could be costly depending on the extent of those required. We would encourage landlords to take control now and implement a strategy to mitigate any costs/losses.

For further inquiries contact

simon.geary@fishergerman.co.uk Knutsford office 01565 757977

william.lewis@fishergerman.co.uk Chester office 01244 409671