First fracking license in 5 years
Monday 23rd May saw the first fracking license to be granted in 5 years. North Yorkshire Councillors convened over multiple days to hear all sides of the story regarding Third Energy’s application to hydraulically fracture or ‘frac’ their KM8 well at Kirby Misperton in North Yorkshire. Hydraulic fracturing is a technique whereby water is injected […]
Introducing our new Homebuyers report
In recent months, the news has been awash with stories on flooding, sinkholes, landfills, fracking and noise pollution. Now more than ever, it’s best to make your client aware of these risks, before they complete their sale. With an all new look, the Groundsure Homebuyers report now has additional information free of charge! It is […]
Essential CPD Seminar Announced on latest Drainage Guidance for Lawyers
New guidance has been released for lawyers on drainage requirements for new build developments. Recognising the significance of the Guidance, GeoSmart Information is hosting a breakfast seminar for property and planning lawyers at Salters Hall, Central London, on Thursday 9th June. At this breakfast briefing John Bates, together with environmental lawyers and drainage experts, will […]
How Consumer Protection Regulations affect environmental searches
Location Intelligence experts Groundsure are committed to assisting solicitors with their training especially in light of the new Law Society Practice Note on Consumer Protection Regulations. The Consumer Protection Regulations apply to any ‘business to consumer’ commercial practice, which in our field would be solicitor / conveyancer to home owner (client). These practices apply to […]
New Drainage Guidance for Lawyers Published
New guidance is released today for lawyers on drainage requirements for new build developments. Local Authorities are implementing stricter planning controls in favour of more sustainable drainage due, in part, to the challenges presented by climate change The guidance has been prepared by the highly respected barrister and author of “Water and Drainage Law”, John […]
Visualising Chalara dieback of ash
You may have seen recently the reports by BBC News and The Guardian on Chalara dieback of ash (Hymenoscyphus Fraxineus). This disease, combined with the arrival of the Emerald borer beetle, could eventually wipe out ash trees in the UK, according to report recently published by the Journal of Ecology1. Why does it matter? Ash […]
What are the Environmental Impacts associated with Agricultural Land uses in the UK?
This is the second instalment in a series of blog posts which will identify and evaluate the typical environmental impacts associated with day to day farm processes. What is slurry? How is it stored and what are the relevant guidances and regulations? Slurry is the combination of manure and water which is broken down over […]
Environmental checks informing buyers about Flood Re are now required to protect homeowners
SearchFlow warns that only interpreted flood reports flagging potential eligibility for Flood Re will sufficiently protect homebuyers.
Landmark announces its conveyance reports are ‘Flood Re ready’ as new reinsurance scheme launches
Landmark Information Group announce all of its residential flood risk reports now include updated insurability guidance in light of today’s launch of the Flood Re reinsurance scheme.
Mine oh mine
They say that if you look down a hole in the ground anywhere around the world you’ll find a Cornishman looking for metal. Tin mining was rife in the early 19th Century, but most would assume that the days of obtaining coal and other minerals are long behind us. Mining in Cornwall began in approximately 2150 […]
Tamzin Madelli of Hart Brown outlines Flood Reinsurance Scheme
Tamzin Madelli is a Senior Solicitor in Commercial Property at Surrey and London based Hart Brown. Whilst the Flood Reinsurance Scheme doesn’t extend to commercial property, Tamzin outlines the scheme itself for Today’s Conveyancer. Flooding has always been an issue but has been particularly severe since 2000. The cost of damage runs into the billions […]
Is the UK on a slippery slope with sinkholes?
The occurrence of sinkholes in the UK is becoming more and more frequent, and the data suggest that this trend will continue. In early 2014, after a particularly wet winter, scientists recorded a five-fold increase in the amount of sinkholes appearing around the UK1. Fast forward to present day, and after a winter of record […]
Rampion Wind Farm
Wind power is now the world’s fastest growing renewable energy type and Groundsure house a wealth of data on existing, approved and proposed wind farms as well as other energy types.
LegalinX-7Side ready for future of mandatory flood checks
Conveyancers have recently predicted that flood check searches will soon become mandatory during all property transactions, and with the reoccurring theme of flooding in the UK due to adverse winter weather conditions it is clear to see why. Since the Christmas time floods, demand for flood reports has risen considerably, this shows that flooding has […]
Oh flooding hell!
With the recent flooding very much drowning people’s spirits, new research has shown that due to climate change, it is here to stay. As humans add greenhouse gases to the atmosphere, it not only warms the planet, but also raises the ocean level. Those around coastal areas are more likely to be affected by the consequences, […]
Chalk undermines conveyancers
Tom Backhouse discusses chalk mines and cases where overlying ground has resulted in significant material damage to individual properties, businesses and infrastructure.
Can you put a price on nature?
I recently listened to a podcast that posed a very interesting concept – something I’ve never considered but listening to the logic behind it gave me pause for thought. The concept is this – if we are to save nature we must, as a society, put a price on it. My first reaction to this […]
Is El Niño to blame for the extreme weather conditions experienced in the UK?
Many of us have noticed the unusually wet and warm winter we are currently facing in the UK, but what are the causes of this strange phenomenon? It’s not just the UK that’s facing irregular weather patterns. Severe flooding has been observed in parts of South America, with devastating storms in Northern America and droughts […]
Understanding flood risk
Groundsure understands that industry terminology can be confusing, especially around data and the general terms on flood reports. This short video clip details the types of data Groundsure interprets, common misconceptions and how they analyse the level of risk to a property. Groundsure has also produced a handy flood guide which contains a lot of […]
Landfill now landfull!
For many, the prospect of autumn brought warm feelings for pumpkin spiced lattes, golden crisp leaves glazing the ground and wholesome hearty foods. The reality for many this year was devastating consequences due to flooding. December 2015 was named the wettest month since Met Office records began. The torrential downpours left behind chaos, crisis and […]
