Starting On The Right Foot: First Steps In Property Development

Chance, research, referral, introduction in whatever happy combination has brought together a landowner and a developer with a common cause all centred on a plot of land.

For the purposes of this article let us assume that the site has yet to receive the coveted planning permission needed to be developed economically to the benefit of the landowner, the developer, and the community in which it sits. Getting the best consent reasonably obtainable from the local planning authority is the joint objective of the parties in this new relationship.

What are the important considerations from a legal point of view?

The land needs to be clearly identified. The most important document in this respect is the Land Registry plan as it defines the extent of the legal title. Drawings based upon Ordnance Survey maps may create problems as the maps may well not follow the Land Registry plans. These plans themselves are not precise, so a visual inspection is vital to pick up any