Search results on property

Muds1

Hi All


Today we received search results back, my solicitor has mentioned some points which need attention, there are a few that I am not sure about so I thought MSE is best place to discuss these -


"We would draw your attention to the clause 1.2 of the Local Authority Search. Please be advised that if you plan to make any alterations, demolitions and/or improvements on the property it would be prudent to discuss the same with the local authority first."


--- Isn't this true for all houses in UK ? or is there a special condition on the house ?


"There is an Unitary Development Plan in existence for this area and if you wish you might arrange to inspect and/or buy the same from the Local Authority. This will give some clarity on the attitude of the Local Authority for the area and potential development."


--- is this point same as above ?


"Please note that the Environmental search reveals that a risk of surface water (pluvial) flooding has been identified within 25m of the property."


--- I have seen report and it marks a flood risk in the road next to ours. What implications of this will have on Home Insurance ? can that be a problem now or in future ? Do I have to disclose this to insurers ? I ask this because when I tried to get quotes online it asked if there are any water bodies in vicinity didn't ask about Pluvial risk.


Although I don't think any of the points is worth stress but still I want to be sure..


Thanks

G_M

Go to the council and ask to the see the Unitary Development Plan - you should always do this anyway. See what impact it will have on the area, and on any restrictions on development of the property.

Talk to a Planner and ask.

Go onto a comparison website and get a quote for insurance!.

Muds1

I will call the council today to ask about Plan and would try to book an appointment with council's planning officer.


Thanks for the advice but All comparison websites only ask for if there is a water source in vicinity, there is no option to select if there is risk of flooding.

G_M

Muds1 wrote: »

I will call the council today to ask about Plan and would try to book an appointment with council's planning officer.


Thanks for the advice but All comparison websites only ask for if there is a water source in vicinity, there is no option to select if there is risk of flooding.

1) my council you can just turn up. Yours you may need an appointment.

2) So, is there a watercourse? If yes, say so! But you've not indicated there is. If they don't ask about flooding then what's the problem? They have access to the same Environmental information as your search so will take into account whatever risks they deem relevant.

Get a quote.

Muds1

I called council (Croydon) and they say they have a plan online, I found out a Replacement Unitary Development Plan, which is a 300 pg document, I am not sure what to extract from it really


this was updated in 2006

G_M

Muds1 wrote: »

I called council (Croydon) and they say they have a plan online, I found out a Replacement Unitary Development Plan, which is a 300 pg document, I am not sure what to extract from it really

Sigh!

Go and talk to a Planner.......

Annie1960

You can get a more specific flood search done for the property (not just the area). Speak to your solicitor about this. I had it done and it's cheap, about £20 or so.

Muds1

Annie1960 wrote: »

You can get a more specific flood search done for the property (not just the area). Speak to your solicitor about this. I had it done and it's cheap, about £20 or so.

Thanks Annie, any detail ? if u remember ?

Annie1960

Muds1 wrote: »

Thanks Annie, any detail ? if u remember ?

One of the general searches came back with something about high risk of flooding. My solicitor advised a more specific search, as the general ones don't take into account the detailed information of the property. She got the additional search, which was a very lengthy document, but basically the summary was 'negligible risk of flooding' for the property. It also recommended asking the vendor whether there had been any previous flooding, and checking with insurance companies before exchange. Both of these were common-sense actions which I had already done.

The solicitor sorted it out for me, and it came back within a couple of days.