Tram line being built at the bottom of my garden

cajef

PollyOnAMission wrote: »

When I bought the house (5 or so years ago), there were some very early mumblings about possibly extending the tram line in this area, but nothing was decided.

We had the same, several years ago we were about to purchase a property with a wide strip of land running behind, in the search our solicitor threw up that it was intended to build a bypass there at some time, though it had been in the planning for over twenty years and never actually been started and may never be built.

As we were aware of the rumours we decided to pull out and pleased we did, three years later the road was constructed and people were complaining about traffic noise.

If you knew about it and still bought the property there is really not much to complain about.

Running_Horse

50 metres? I would have thought prices may rise once built if you are walkable to a stop.

Nimbys should not be allowed to stop transport projects that benefit the vast majority.

RDG

My understanding of the Land Compensation Acts and other laws is that you cannot claim against the public authority for noice, vibration etc. until 12 months after the opening of the works in this case the opening of the extension. Therefore these lawyers cant do anything for quite some time.

If you want to read up on the laws yourself the best place to start is with the Land Compensation Act 1973

http://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1973/26/contents

As far as I know its not difficult to claim compensation and the amount is determined by an independant assessor. The act sets down what needs to be done to claim, but you can probably discuss it with your council planning office. I cannot remember if you can claim if the plans were already in place when you purchased the land though but thats probably in there.

PollyOnAMission

Thanks for the replies.

Yes, it is the Nottingham tram. I'm not exactly sure where the stops are going to be but I believe my house will be between two, both being walkable. As I said, I am all for greener public transport; if the fare pricing is right and disruption is minimal then I think it is a good thing overall, regardless of my own personal opinions on the view out of my window. I am not one of these "hooray for wind turbines...but not if I can see them from my house" type of people.

I am not one of the people who complained at any point down the line because overall I think it is a forward thinking proposal. Now it's happening, I just want to get a rough idea of the possible impact for my life/house. I'd not even considered compensation until these letters started coming through the door. I'm in no way a money grabber; if the impact on me is not great (not very noisy, privacy in garden isn't compromised etc) and my house price doesn't suffer a blow then I won't be pursuing anything. However, if it's a nightmare and my house price decreases my ten grand, and there is legislation in place to compensate people for this as a matter of course, then of course I would be interested in finding out my rights.

The suggestion that my property price could actually increase is an interesting one, and one other people have also suggested. I have spoken to an estate agent about it and they thought it could have a positive impact, particularly as my house would suit a first time buyer who would value transport links into the City. I wasn't sure if they might just be trying to get my business though, so I've taken it with a pinch of salt for now.

Ideally I would like to move house in the not-too-distant future because I am outgrowing my current situation. Public transport links into the City are not a priority for me (I rarely go into the City and the tram doesn't run to where I work) but I can see that for some people having the tram so close would be a big plus.

Regarding knowing about the plans: I seem to remember reading that you must have already been present at the property before the works commenced, and also still be there once it becomes operational. I will have to investigate further whether there is an impact of knowing about it at the "there have been some vague talks but nothing happening as yet" stage.

BigAlC

From the privacy aspect you will also have to be aware that there will be large cable bearing pylons running the length of the tram line, so you might also just want to consider being able to see them at all times. (unless you can get some large conifers between you and the "view")

If it's run anything like the Sheffield tram then there will also be remedial works carried out in the late summer evenings which extend to angle grinding, drilling etc.

Not deal breakers as they won't be ongoing, but just some things to think about.

DVardysShadow

PollyOnAMission wrote: »

The suggestion that my property price could actually increase is an interesting one, .... , so I've taken it with a pinch of salt for now.

Ideally I would like to move house in the not-too-distant future because I am outgrowing my current situation. Public transport links into the City are not a priority for me (I rarely go into the City and the tram doesn't run to where I work) but I can see that for some people having the tram so close would be a big plus.

In your position, my bet would be that it would be positive for house value and I would be holding off selling till the trams had bedded in.

penrhyn

There you go:-

http://www.nottinghamcity.gov.uk/netphase2/CHttpHandler.ashx?id=16782&p=0

http://www.nottinghamcity.gov.uk/netphase2/CHttpHandler.ashx?id=15768&p=0

shiny76

Polly, if it's the road that i'm thinking of there will be a stop almost at the end of the road.

A colleague who lives on a neighbouring road has said parking permits are a very real possibility. Do you have (potential) off-street parking?

DalePie

zagfles wrote: »

One of them lives near a stop and he thinks it's brilliant as it's very convenient when he wants to go into town and the trams are always going slow past his house so they don't make that much noise.

To be fair having a tram link so close to your house could be brilliant!

Also, additional travel links normally correspond with a general "up and coming" feel about local areas. Maybe the tram line will end up making your house worth more not less .

PollyOnAMission

shiny76 wrote: »

Polly, if it's the road that i'm thinking of there will be a stop almost at the end of the road.

A colleague who lives on a neighbouring road has said parking permits are a very real possibility. Do you have (potential) off-street parking?

The nearest stop will be a short walk, but being on a cul-de-sac I would be a bit concerned it would be seen as a good place to park.

I do have off street parking (driveway with lowered kerb), although people frequently park in front of my driveway without my consent! But that's another issue :eek:

I would hope to maintain my right to park in front of my own driveway without a permit, e.g. when I have visitors etc and my own car is on the drive. I don't mind people in my house blocking me in but it drives me mad when strangers do it! I'm not sure how this would work if they brought in permits though.