Existing legal rights and restrictions are usually incompatible with major works or a material change of use. We can quickly identify and solve these issues. Amongst other matters we advise and negotiate:-

• highways rights and diversions
• option agreements
• restrictive covenant constraints
• planning agreements
• private access issues
• rights for service media

When dealing with vendors of suitable land we have the knowledge to deal with conditional agreements, option rights, or arrangements for the payment of contingent additional purchase monies. We are experienced in the preparation and negotiation of option agreements for both developers and landowners, in residential and commercial transactions.

We will advise on the merits of individual proposed planning, site survey and soil test conditions, to maximise potential benefits for our clients whilst minimising the risks inherent in such transactions.

We assist both landowners and developers in the negotiation of planning agreements. Landowners need to take particular care to ensure, so far as they can, that their liabilities cease on parting with their interest in the land; further, that where the developer is a third party, that the landowner is fully indemnified against all payments and liabilities under the planning agreement. We can also advise on the alternative use of unilateral undertakings where appropriate.