Why Proper Title Checks Matter In Planning Applications?

The decision of a planning inspector to decline to determine a planning appeal has highlighted the vital importance of carrying out full title investigation and following the correct procedures when submitting planning applications and conducting appeals.

When buying a site for development it is important to carry out a thorough investigation of the title to ensure that you acquire all of the land required to deliver the scheme. If potential problems with the title do arise, for example a strip of unregistered land or uncertainty over the precise boundary, then this can often be resolved by purchasing defective title insurance (DTI).

The need for through title investigation is also vital when applying for planning permission. Whist it is not necessary for an applicant to own all of the land within the development site, gaps in the title can still prevent a lawful planning permission from being granted unless the correct procedures are followed during the application process.