OneSearch Direct debunk contaminated land myths with free webinar

OneSearch Direct debunk contaminated land myths with free webinar

With heightened pressure to meet homebuilding targets, the Government has set out a productivity plan to address the UK’s housing shortage. Along with increased compulsory purchase powers, and relaxed planning restrictions, there are proposals for automatic permission to build on brownfield land. This introduction of a new Zonal systemi has created a fresh wave of concern for solicitors, who are expected to present any contaminated land risks to the homebuyer.

Due to the majority of brownfield land having a prior history of industrial or commercial use, there is an increased risk of contamination from hazardous waste or pollution. The UK’s leading self-build magazine, ‘Build It’, statedii: “Nowadays it is almost unheard of to find a brownfield site that doesn’t have some form of contamination.”

While redevelopment of brownfield land can currently only take place once stringent environmental checks have been carried out, there are now concerns that the automatic permission proposals will jeopardise the risk mitigation process. The Royal Institute of British Architects has claimediii that the Government is seen to be ‘tearing up planning rules’.

This is why OneSearch Direct has partnered with Landmark Information Group to offer a free webinar, which will address solicitors’ concerns about providing clients with all relevant environmental information related to building on brownfield sites. The webinar will look at the environmental and contaminated land risk assessment reports that are available to solicitors, developers and homebuyers and provide a solid foundation upon which decisions can be based. The 1-hour CPD presentation will go into detail on how contaminated land will affect you, the solicitor, in the conveyancing process.

Paul Maillardet, Channel Manager at OneSearch Direct, comments:

“The Government’s removal of what they are calling ‘unnecessary planning obstacles’ has been the subject of wide controversy of late. It is logical to assume that these measures were once deemed ‘necessary’ for a reason, so to hear that planning restrictions are being relaxed in order to increase the appetite to build, can bring unease to many solicitors. While I applaud proactive steps in increasing the UK housing supply, I can also understand why my clients have concerns. It’s their duty to present any contaminated land risks to the homebuyer, after all.

“This webinar will debunk common myths and empower solicitors to make confident decisions. Our webinars are always hugely successful, and those who take part really do come away with valuable knowledge.”

Phillip Hill, Account Manager for Landmark Information Group, comments:

“Our webinar will look at the most common environmental issues that arise in property transactions and how these can be effectively identified and managed by conveyancers, using desktop environmental reports and contaminated land risk assessment tools, based on multiple datasets.”

The webinar can be viewed from the comfort of your own desk, and will take place on Tuesday 22nd September, at 2:00pm. Registration is limited to 100 places, so please sign up early to avoid disappointment. You can sign up by clicking here.

For more information call OneSearch Direct on 0800 052 0117, or email cnoble@onesearchdirect.co.uk.

References

https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/398745/Brownfield_Consultation_Paper.pdf

ii http://www.self-build.co.uk/guide-contamination-and-brownfield-plots

iii https://www.architecture.com/RIBA/Contactus/NewsAndPress/Membernews/PracticeNews/2015/July2015/16July2015/Chancellorpushesaheadwithbrownfieldplanningrevolution.aspx

About OneSearch Direct

OneSearch Direct is the largest local authority data search company in the UK, providing property information and conveyancing search reports to solicitors nationwide. Backed by Souter Investments, the company has been established in the industry for more than 25 years.

OneSearch Direct’s services and process have been awarded a quality standard mark by Legal Eye the leading legal compliance specialist. In addition, OneSearch Direct’s searches are protected by the Property Code, which is regulated and monitored by the Property Code Compliance Board (PCCB). OneSearch Direct’s searches are covered by Search Report Cover up to £2m and Professional Indemnity Cover up to £5m.

Uniquely, OneSearch Direct has developed a substantial database of local authority information. The company has invested around £10million over two decades in its data collection methodology and, of its 100 staff, a team of 30 people are employed to update and input new data on a daily basis.

For further information please visit: http://www.onesearchdirect.co.uk

About Landmark Information Group

Landmark Information Group identifies and translates environmental and property risk into facts, insight and opportunity. With data, technology and our team of experts at the heart of what we do, we deliver intelligence and solutions to enable you to make informed decisions. – See more at: http://www.landmark.co.uk/#sthash.bBWQXDtd.dpuf

This article was submitted to be published by OneSearch Direct as part of their advertising agreement with Today’s Conveyancer. The views expressed in this article are those of the submitter and not those of Today’s Conveyancer.

OneSearch

http://onesearch.direct/

  OneSearch Direct are a leading property search company providing fast, accurate and quality assured search information to conveyancing solicitors and other property professionals. Established more than 20 years ago, we have a vast wealth of experience in processing and managing property search information and continually invest and adapt our services to suit the changing needs of our customers and the market place. We provide a complete solution for residential and commercial property searches, making it easier to order and manage every element of the search process required in a property transaction. Added to that, our searches are also backed with a fully comprehensive professional indemnity insurance of £10 Million for both residential and commercial, giving our customers complete confidence and peace of mind in our service. By employing state of the art IT infrastructure, we are able to streamline our processes, providing us with extensive volume capability and the ability to facilitate full electronic ordering and delivery of a broad range of property search reports including:

  • Local Searches
  • Land Registry Documents
  • Water & Drainage Searches – Personal & CON29DW
  • Remortgage Searches
  • Mining Reports
  • Environmental, Planning & Flood Reports
  • Chancel Repair Reports
  • Utility Searches Telecommunications and Transport Searches
  • Telecommunications Searches
  • Transport Searche
Although we use the latest technology, at the core of our service is a team of highly skilled people who are dedicated to personally managing your account, ensuring excellent customer service at all times. OneSearch Direct subscribe to the Search Code and are founder members of the Council of Property Search Organisation (COPSO), as well as being an Appointed Representative of Northcott Beaton Ltd, which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority (FSA). Contact: Elizabeth Jarvis Tel: 0800 052 0117 Email: info@onesearchdirect.co.uk Address 6th Floor Skypark SP1 8 Elliot Place Glasgow G3 8EP

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *