Herts Law Society prizewinners 2012 - Insite Law Magazine

AdvertorialProperty and land transactionsThe value of search reportsIt’s always been important for the conveyancing process to identify all potential risks involved in purchasing a property orpiece of land, but recent changes in environmental and planning legislation are making it essential that correct due diligenceis being carried out.Luckily the wide range of search reportsavailable can help you and your clients tomake informed decisions about propertyor land purchase, and to consider whetherthere will be future implications for valueand saleability. This helps you to protectyour buyer and the lender as well asminimising risk to your own business.CON29DWcontaminated land under Part IIA of theEnvironmental Protection Act 1990. Theimportance of considering contaminationissues was highlighted for solicitors inThe Law Society Warning Card publishedin 2000 and DEFRA has just releasedupdated statutory guidance.Environmental reports examinewhether the property may be situatedon or near land contaminated by, forexample, past industrial processes orwaste disposal. Reports also includean assessment on flood risk, possibilityof subsidence, details of consents todischarge that have been granted andlocation of nearby landfill sites.Planning reportsFlood reportsThe CON29DW is the official Drainageand Water Enquiry identifying all risksthat a property may face in relation toownership and location of sewers andwater mains. It was launched by TheLaw Society in 2002 and is produced toconsistently high standards set by theten water companies of England andWales. As such, it is an essential part ofthe conveyancing process, offering a setof unique benefits to conveyancers andtheir clients.Environmental reportsEnvironmental reports consider therisk of a property being identified asAs well as coastal and fluvial (river)flooding, property owners face thegrowing risk of surface water (flash)flooding. Recent events are a powerfulreminder of the importance of givingclients the fullest possible informationas the impact of flood risk on obtaininginsurance and mortgage funding can beconsiderable.Flood reports use the latest EnvironmentAgency National Flood Risk Assessmentdata along with data on surface waterflooding to provide information oncurrent and potential flood risks.It’s also important that your clientknows about any proposed developmentsof land and property in the vicinity oftheir investment. A planning reportincludes details of planning applicationsand helps homebuyers and businessowners to make a fully considereddecision on their proposed purchase.It’s also worth getting up to date on TheLocalism Act 2011 and the new NationalPlanning Policy Framework, publishedin March 2012.Forthcoming CPD eventsGeodesys offers environmental,flood and planning reportsin addition to the officialCON29DW. We are running freeCPD events in Hemel Hempsteadand Chigwell during October. Forfurther information or to booka place please contact VictoriaConstable, your GeodesysAccount Executive on 01480325845, email cpd@geodesys.comor see www.geodesys.com/cpd.Herts & MiddlesexWildlife TrustHerts & Middlesex Wildlife Trust (HMWT) works to protectwildlife. The charity manages a combined area the size of1,000 football pitches, from beautiful wetlands and woodlands torare patches of heath and orchard. We take practical action everyday to help wildlife flourish, through the management of our 44nature reserves and the protection of the species that live there.HMWT is one of 47 Trusts across the UK; together we arethe biggest voluntary organisation in the country dedicatedto protecting the full range of UK species and habitats for thefuture, with more than 750,000 members and 200,000 acres ofwild spaces in our care.With long term strategies for the conservation and developmentof environments rich in wildlife, we want everyone to be able toenjoy and benefit from access to nature. In the face of climatechange, the survival of our native wildlife now depends notonly on retaining existing habitats but on the active expansionand reconnection of these green spaces. Our vision is of a livinglandscape, rich for wildlife and for people too.As a local charity we rely solely on the support of our membersand those kind enough to donate or leave a legacy, withoutwhich we would not be able to continue our work protectingwildlife for the future. For more information on membership,volunteering or leaving a legacy please contact us.Herts & Middlesex Wildlife Trust (HMWT) isa local charity supported by people whocare about protecting wildlife. With the helpof volunteers we manage a network ofmore than 40 nature reserves,covering nearly 2,000 acres,from beautiful wetlands andwoodlands to rare patches ofheath and orchard.We want everyone to beable to benefit from accessto nature. In the face ofclimate change, the survival ofour native wildlife now dependsnot only on retaining existinghabitats but on the activeexpansion and reconnection ofthese green spaces. Our visionis of a living landscape, wherewe work with others to improveour towns and countrysidefor wildlife.We rely solely on the support of ourmembers and those kind enough to donateor leave a legacy. For more informationplease get in touch.Grebe House, St Michael’s Street, St Albans, Herts AL3 4SN01727 858901 info@hmwt.org www.hertswildlifetrust.org.ukRegistered Charity No: 239863 (England & Wales)▲ 16Hertfordshire Law Society Gazettehttp://www.hertslawsoc.org.uk/..............................................Protecting Wildlife for the Future