Vinyl vs. Fiberglass Windows: The Comparison Windows are one of the most important parts of any home that we have. These windows are the ways by which you can actually see what is going on outside your home and they also provide a means for light to enter the house
Leading independent construction, property and management consultancy, Rider Levett Bucknall UK (RLB UK) has announced today Liverpool based cost management consultants, Todd & Ledson will join RLB as part of its UK growth strategy. Consolidating RLB’s presence in Liverpool and strengthening its expertise in the North where it already has
Martin Scambler joins from Goodman where for 12 years he was responsible for large infrastructure and build projects. St Francis Group, a leading UK-based property development and investment group and an expert in brownfield development and regeneration is pleased to announce the addition of a new Construction Director to their
Property guardians must have a “bedrock of rights” so that their legal rights are adequately protected, according to a discussion in the House of Lords last month. Baroness Grender posed the question of “what steps they are taking to ensure that property guardians are legally protected” to the House. Property
The Hard Rock brand is stretching its arms from Atlantic City to Japan. It’s main inspiration? Music. Most of their designs are based on rhythms and structures of sound by interpreting them into physical forms and materials. Designing for Hard Rock means adding the music inspiration through cafe’s to hotels
Since the 1925 Land Registration Act in the UK, which was replaced by an updated Land Registration Act in 2002, it’s been compulsory to register unregistered property and land. However, according to the HM Land Registry, there is still 14% of land in the UK that remains unregistered or unclaimed.
When Tottenham Hotspur was seeking a lighting supplier for the creation of its world class, 62,062 seater iconic new stadium, Zumtobel Lighting (a member of Zumtobel Group) took up the challenge, fielding a superb team and products that proved to be exactly the right match. Great consideration was given to
Energy management specialist TEAM has strengthened its software portfolio with the launch of its next generation Sigma Tenant Billing solution. The application enables organisations to accurately and efficiently apportion utility costs between tenants, cost centres or departments delivering transparent accountable billing. The flexible and reliable solution seamlessly integrates with existing
For many students, university marks the first time in their lives that they are truly independent. But with this newfound freedom comes a whole load of new responsibilities. Among these, ensuring that you budget appropriately for your student life is of paramount importance. The more you know about your finances
The content of the Chancellor’s Spring Statement washed over many in the property profession as the Brexit storm continued. But the decision by Philip Hammond to allow upwards extensions through Permitted Development (PD) Rights is significant news. The announcement, which forms part of a package of initiatives to breathe life
Vinyl vs. Fiberglass Windows: The Comparison Windows are one of the most important parts of any home that we have. These windows are the ways by which you can actually see what is going on outside your home and they also provide a means for light to enter the house as well. So, there is no doubt that choosing the perfect type of windows is really important. You need to weight your choices in order to come to a decision. Both fiberglass and vinyl windows are very popular choices amongst the builders and homeowners. Here we are going to build a comparison between these two materials. Appearance When it comes to window frames, vinyl and fiberglass might seem a bit similar. However, the vinyl windows come along with a proper join line which is situated in the corners. But then fiberglass has more of a wooden window look and appeal. The vinyl windows are mostly plain looking. When it comes to fiberglass, the color and style options are plenty as well. Installation The material vinyl is a pretty flexible one which can easily contract and expand as well. So, due to the flexibility, they are much easier to install and can be done quickly. Fiberglass tends to be a bit rigid and hence the installation is a bit difficult and it takes more time as well. You can choose Legacy Windows Service in New Jersey for the installation of windows in your home. Costs When it comes to the cost comparison, vinyl tends to be a little cheaper than the fiberglass material. So, most builders and homeowners who are in a tight budget can choose the vinyl windows for installation purposes. Durability And Strength Fiberglass is about 8 times stronger than the material vinyl. So, there is no doubt that it will be able to last a bit longer than vinyl. While vinyl windows can last until 30 years, fiberglass windows go up to 50 years and even more if necessary. The makeup of fiberglass windows is the reason for the strength. The fiberglass windows have glass fibers and that is what provides the strength to the material. Energy efficiency We have already established the fact that fiberglass has glass fibers in it which means that the material will not be able to expand or contract. So, it doesn’t conduct cold and heat. So, it is a better form of insulation than vinyl. Vinyl Windows Pros and Cons Pros Cheaper material No need to paint Doesn’t fade in sunlight Installation is easier Easily available Increase the value of the home Cons It will warp in the hot temperature Temperature fluctuations may cause expansion and contraction Poor air sealing Less insulation Fiberglass Windows Pros And Cons Pros The frames are thinner and have more glass fibers The insulation is a lot better for noise and energy control Doesn’t warp, expand, or contract Appearance is a lot better Increases the value of the home Cons It is an expensive material The installation process is difficult and takes more time Needs frequent painting Can fade in the sunlight So, that is all that you need to know about fiberglass and vinyl windows. Make your choice wisely!
Leading independent construction, property and management consultancy, Rider Levett Bucknall UK (RLB UK) has announced today Liverpool based cost management consultants, Todd & Ledson will join RLB as part of its UK growth strategy. Consolidating RLB’s presence in Liverpool and strengthening its expertise in the North where it already has offices in Leeds, Manchester, Sheffield, Cumbria and Warrington, the Liverpool company, led by Partners Phil Waring, Stuart Wands and Chris Balshaw, will join forces with RLB from 1 May 2019. A well established cost consultancy, Todd & Ledson has operated in Liverpool for over 60 years with a long-standing customer base, across a range of sectors aligned with those that RLB operates in, and has a strong track record in both healthcare and education specifically. The existing team of 25 will be joined by RLB Liverpool colleagues and work out of Todd & Ledson’s Princes Dock offices in the heart of the Liverpool business district. Russell Bolton, Managing Partner responsible for the region, “We are delighted to be joined by the fantastic team at Todd & Ledson. This is a company that shares the same business values, culture and professional standards as us at RLB. The RLB | Todd & Ledson venture in Liverpool creates a destination consultancy for those looking for innovative solutions within the built environment by offering them the full portfolio of professional services as well as a wealth of expertise and experience.” Stuart Wands from Todd & Ledson continues, “The integration of our two organisations made perfect sense as it expands the services we offer locally but also broadens the opportunities for us to offer our services to clients on a regional and national basis.” Todd & Ledson will officially join forces with RLB from 1 May 2019 with the Liverpool office trading as RLB |Todd & Ledson until May 2020.
Martin Scambler joins from Goodman where for 12 years he was responsible for large infrastructure and build projects. St Francis Group, a leading UK-based property development and investment group and an expert in brownfield development and regeneration is pleased to announce the addition of a new Construction Director to their Management Team. Martin Scambler has been recruited from Goodman where for 12 years he was responsible for large infrastructure and build projects. Speaking about the appointment Gareth Williams, Development Director St Francis Group said, “Martin joins us at a time when we are developing a significant landbank. Working with a variety of funding partners we have the ability to deliver over 5 million sq ft of warehouse space over the next 2 to 3 years and our residential sites are being prepared for onward sale as serviced and consented sites.” Also commenting Rob Braid, Chief Executive Officer St Francis Group said “We quietly embarked on a site sale programme a couple of years ago with the intention of retaining a core of high-quality employment and residential sites. Delivering on these and acquiring new sites will be our strategy over the coming years and Martin will play a big part in that. We are very pleased that he has joined the Team” Over the last 2 years St Francis Group has developed three industrial warehouse sites and well over 1 million sq ft of new space in locations such as Bristol, Kettering and Redditch. With a landbank of over 300 acres it is rapidly establishing itself as one of the largest and most successful developers of new space based in the West Midlands. With an appetite for complex brownfield sites it also targets land where it can add value as a specialist developer of brownfield sites.
Property guardians must have a “bedrock of rights” so that their legal rights are adequately protected, according to a discussion in the House of Lords last month. Baroness Grender posed the question of “what steps they are taking to ensure that property guardians are legally protected” to the House. Property guardians have some legal protections – but depending on the arrangements in place, these protections are often fewer than those of tenants. Lord Best, who is the chair of a Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government working group for the regulation of property agents, said he “would be very happy to look at the regulation of property guardian providers, alongside his current portfolio of estate agents, letting agents and managers of leasehold properties”. Lord Bourne added that there had to be a drive “ensuring that property guardians have a bedrock of rights in all situations so that people are properly protected. That is the key.” The issues often encountered include disrepair including penetrating damp or condensation mould growth, through to unmanaged compliance issues such asbestos, faults with fire alarm panels, lack of electrical and gas safety certificates. Suggestions put forward include a ‘kite-marking’ scheme and non-disclosure agreements in contracts.
The Hard Rock brand is stretching its arms from Atlantic City to Japan. It’s main inspiration? Music. Most of their designs are based on rhythms and structures of sound by interpreting them into physical forms and materials. Designing for Hard Rock means adding the music inspiration through cafe’s to hotels and casinos. Hard Rock International and Rivals Hard Rock International from Atlantic City is one of the fine examples of adding the sound structures of Hard Rock brand. Before the building passed to Hard Rock, it once belonged to Trump. The failing building used to be called Trump Taj Mahal. Hard Rock was able to change the whole structure of the building, giving an aspect of guitar chords. The commitment from Hard Rock was so big that they redone the property from minarets on the roof to the plumbing in the hotel rooms. Jim Allen, CEO of Hard Rock International mentioned that when people arrive at the property, they will notice that there are no ties that lead to the previous owner. Now, Hard Rock International is fitted out with traditional Hard Rock musical souvenirs and the venue is organising live entertainment almost every night. The casino is also making a presence with its slots and table games. Jim Allen also added that Hard Rock International is the second largest gaming zone from the U.S. He also added that the new Gov. Phil Murphy and the new Atlantic City Mayor Frank Gilliam were a pleasure to work with, as well as with the Casino Reinvestment Development Authority and the former Gov. Chris Christie. On the Boardwalk, Hard Rock’s rival is Ocean Resort, which opened around the same time like Hard Rock. However, Ocean Resorts doesn’t have the spectacular performance like the music-themed casino. In addition, Ocean Resort is another property that demonstrates how important it is to impressively design a property. Ocean Resort is a revamped building from the former Revel Casino Hotel. The main design aspect of Ocean Resort seems to be one of the seas, the venue is covered in full glass that reflects the blue sky. In addition, both megaresorts affects the viability of the Atlantic City area, although Hard Rock may be considered one of the strongest approvals in gaming. The company stays firmly as an entertainment firm. Thus, Hard Rock International had in its first year over 300 events, all of them achieving everyone’s taste. Jim Allen said that the venue had over 28 million, of social media impressions. The hotel was packed with entertaining events like Kelly Clarkson concert, country acts, rock ‘n roll acts, Sugar Factory, and of course, the world-famous Hard Rock Cafe. Even though the CEO of Hard Rock International praises the hotel, it is unlike to surpass the MGM Resorts International Borgata. Borgata is not only known because of MGM’s name. The casino was heavily involved in art exhibitions, like Pop-Up art gallery, Contemporary Glass Art and others. Today, the hotel has a music venue, which can be converted in Borgata Ballroom, a special event for diners, training or business presentation. The hotel also has a Festival Park, used during summer, a music box which can also be Borgata Theatre, designed for meetings and presentations. At Borgata Theatre, the comedian Lewis Black performed his ninth stand-up comedy in 2013. The remaining artistic event that the hotel continues is based on martial arts. The design of the hotel consists of a main tower, which is the third tallest building in Atlantic City, visible from many miles due to its facade of reflective gold glass. The architectural firms, Marnell Corrao Associates of Las Vegas, Philadelphia’s Bower Lewis and Thrower Architects (BLT) worked on the project. The main tower stands 431 ft. tall and contains up to almost 2000 guest rooms and suites. MGM Resorts International Borgata is twice as Hard Rock and Tropicana. Hard Rock is a newcomer and is sitting pretty on the charts, while the Ocean Resort has slipped into last place. Jim Allen explains that Hard Rock tries to position itself as an entertainment destination and that has certainly worked very well for them. Hard Rock Hollywood Together with the power of Hard Rock, Florida’s Seminole Tribe has been drastically redoing two of its Hard Rock properties in the Sunshine State. Hard Rock Hollywood is one of the properties that has a massive expansion. The property is already iconic with its 638 hotel rooms tower, which is in a shape of a guitar body. The Hard Rock locations are known on a global level, for their guitar element, whatever it’s a part of a facade or the design itself. The desired design theme is still going strong after 40 years. Hard Rock Hollywood is expanding the gambling capacity, with 3000 slot machines, 192 table games and a poker room with 46 seats. In addition, 30 new additional restaurants, bars, and lounges are added, together with a new entertainment venue, a full-service spa and a three pool aquacade. The top beam of the hotel is the signature of the Seminole tribe from Brighton, Immokalee, Big Cypress and Hollywood. The new convention space will also characterize the revamped casino. The dramatically refashioned look will debut in autumn 2019. Hard Rock Tampa Another project that doesn’t have to be overlooked is the Hard Rock Tampa. Hard Rock Tampa is a massive casino overhaul. It has 5000 slot machines and 200 table games. The tribe behind this casino pride themselves with the idea that Tampa is for economic investment and during and after its development, it will offer around 6000 jobs. In other terms, Hard Rock Tampa will have a 15-story tower added. The tower will handle 564 hotel rooms with private elevators for rock-star suites. Like at Hard Rock Hollywood, Tampa will also have three ultra-lavish pools, the area is the size of a football terrain which will be covered and will also feature a dedicated restaurant. The existing spa will be replaced by a more extravagante one, the restaurants will
Since the 1925 Land Registration Act in the UK, which was replaced by an updated Land Registration Act in 2002, it’s been compulsory to register unregistered property and land. However, according to the HM Land Registry, there is still 14% of land in the UK that remains unregistered or unclaimed. Along with complying with the law, there are numerous benefits to registering land. But, firstly, let’s discuss how you go through the process of registering unregistered land in the first place. What is an unregistered property? This could be land or a building such as a house, garage or even something as small as a shed. Basically, it’s any property that is legally owned but is yet to be registered with the Land Registry in the true owner’s name. The owner will usually have Title Deeds that explain how they came to own the property. But simply having these Title Deeds doesn’t mean the property is registered, so to reap the benefits of having a registered property and to protect it from encroachment by others, it’s advised that you register the land as soon as you can. The two ways of registering unregistered property There are two types of registration, compulsory and voluntary. Here’s what you need to know about both. Compulsory registration Since 1925, a property that is ‘dealt with’ has the change of ownership officially registered and the new owner will receive a Title Register and Title Plan to confirm their ownership of the property. But what does ‘dealt with’ actually mean? It means that some activity has happened with the property that will trigger the compulsory registration. Some of these activities are as follows: A new lease of 7 years or over is granted. The first legal mortgage on an unregistered property is granted. A Freehold Estate is transferred in a sale of purchase. A Leasehold Estate is transferred with over 7 years remaining (this is known as assignment). In all these cases, it’s a legal requirement for the land or property to be compulsorily registered. You can do this by registering online with the HM Land Registry Voluntary registration You don’t have to wait for the property to become ‘dealt with’ in order to register it. You can simply make a voluntary first registration application in the same place where you would compulsory register it. While you can do this yourself, you can also instruct a land registry solicitor to do it if you want to make sure everything is done smoothly and legally. The solicitor can take your Title Deeds to find out how you came to own the property and submit an application to the Land Registry on your behalf, passing a copy of the Title Register onto you.
When Tottenham Hotspur was seeking a lighting supplier for the creation of its world class, 62,062 seater iconic new stadium, Zumtobel Lighting (a member of Zumtobel Group) took up the challenge, fielding a superb team and products that proved to be exactly the right match. Great consideration was given to the needs of the stadium users when creating the lighting design, including the importance of both the vertical and horizontal illumination. The new 120,000 square metre stadium is not just for football – it has been designed to host National Football League (NFL) games, which meant meeting the requirements of a multi-purpose venue. As one of most intense and atmospheric places in the UK to watch football, the stadium boasts innovative premium and general admission spaces that include the longest bar in Europe, it’s very own micro-brewery, the `Tunnel Club` where fans can see the players preparing to go onto the field of play, a five storey atrium space, a skywalk and food outlets with menus created by Michelin-star chefs. Zumtobel came up with a design that was based on a comfortable and safe environment for players, employees and visitors to the stadium, providing the perfect illumination for the home changing room, players tunnel, hospitality areas, Media Café, Microbrewery, general admission concourses, Tottenham Experience retail space, NFL locker rooms and terrace safety lighting. The player’s wellbeing is of paramount importance. For the changing rooms, physio and relaxation spaces, considerable attention had to be given to circadian rhythms, catering for different times of the day when players use the facilities. Studies have confirmed the positive effects of using artificial lighting to support these natural circadian rhythms. These effects manifest themselves in improved concentration, better visibility and a general ‘uplift’ in how we feel. To achieve this, Zumtobel’s PANOS infinity has been installed, with a white-light range of 2700 K to 6500 K that offers the user a wealth of options to adjust the colour temperature to the respective application. SLOTLIGHT tunableWhite and RGBW LED Tape has also been utilised in this area. The players’ tunnel has been illuminated using Custom Active Light Wall, two huge stretch ceiling fittings that have been personalised in Zumtobel’s Dornbirn, Austria factory, in conjunction with SLOTLIGHT tuneableWhite. Elsewhere, 200 VIVO spotlights in a special Ocean Blue paint finish have been installed in the M Media Café to provide an ideal working environment for reporters. Black ONDARIA circular luminaires and VIVO spotlights illuminate the Tottenham Experience retail space, the largest football club retail space in Europe. Thanks to its distinct radius and soft contours, in addition to a subtle indirect component, ONDARIA almost seems to float in the air, making it particularly well-suited for prestigious areas. The luminaire allows for a fully flexible arrangement and blends perfectly into every room layout. VIVO LED spotlights from Zumtobel are a stand out solution due to their high colour rendering index and extremely uniform light distribution. Unique PiLED technology, pre-programmed colour points and premium lens systems pave the way for exclusive implementations. The all-important premium areas have been given a welcoming ambience with a wide variety of luminaires. Custom made CRAFT L LED, flicker-free high bay LED luminaires with a special colour temperature of 5700K, have been installed to provide the safety lighting for the terraces within the bowl and match the field of play lighting. CRAFT meets high requirements for colour rendering with values up to Ra > 90, whilst stroboscopic effects for rotating machines are also completely unknown to this luminaire, even in the dimmed state. Durable TRINOS IP65 continuous-row lighting system has been installed in the Microbrewery to combine the flexibility and functionality of a trunking system with the tough resistance of an IP65 luminaire, designed for environments that demand a higher degree of protection. Over 77,000 luminaires from the Zumtobel Group Lighting Brands, acdc, Thorn and Zumtobel have been installed throughout the stadium. These include acdc’s BLADE fixtures for the ‘halo’ and façade and FUSION in the seating bowl, Thorn’s STEALTH custom luminaire in the concourse circulation area, Zumtobel’s Black ONDARIA circular luminaires and VIVO spotlights in the Tottenham Experience retail space, PANOS infinity downlights and SLOTLIGHT tunableWhite and RGBW LED Tape in the changing rooms, physio and relaxation areas, Custom Active Light Wall and SLOTLIGHT tunableWhite in the players tunnel and VIVO spotlights in the M Media Cafe, custom made CRAFT L LED in the seating bowl and many other luminaires from the product portfolio of Zumtobel Group’s lighting brands are installed throughout the stadium. Zumtobel Group and Tottenham Hotspur, both leaders in their own fields, are working in partnership to ensure that the Tottenham Hotspur brand image is seen in the correct light, whilst saving energy and creating the best possible environment for staff and visitors alike. Alfred Felder, Zumtobel Group CEO, commented “We are proud to be partnering with Tottenham Hotspur, one of the world’s top football clubs, to provide lighting solutions for the new, iconic Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. Translating the specifications and ideas of the architect and the light designer into tangible products was a major challenge but one we were able to meet thanks to our design expertise and product portfolio”. Matthew Collecott, Director of Operations, Tottenham Hotspur comments “We have sought to create a world-class stadium in every aspect and that includes sourcing an innovative solution to our lighting. This has been made possible through the Zumtobel Group and we have been extremely pleased with the results they have achieved as part of this iconic project.”
Energy management specialist TEAM has strengthened its software portfolio with the launch of its next generation Sigma Tenant Billing solution. The application enables organisations to accurately and efficiently apportion utility costs between tenants, cost centres or departments delivering transparent accountable billing. The flexible and reliable solution seamlessly integrates with existing energy management systems, delivering effective measurement and sophisticated bill calculation. Users have the added advantage of integrating the data into their accounting system through the Accounts Link interface, speeding-up the billing process. To ensure the software suits the specific needs of its users to deliver on their efficiency targets and economise the tenant billing process, TEAM worked in partnership with its customers on the design and functionality. Tom Anderton, Product and Service Development Manager, TEAM said: ”Tenant billing is the natural next step on the journey to ensuring we can meet the evolving needs of organisations across a wide range of industries. By working closely with our customers, we understand the unique challenges that can come with tenant billing. “This collaboration has led to the inclusion of enhanced functionality to address these issues, such as flexible charging methodologies, allowing users to define their own utility tariffs and use data from a variety of sources. As well as the ability to charge against multiple commodities and calorific value conversion, which ensures greater transparency when billing volumetric consumption.” Developed as part of its flagship energy management software, Sigma, users can manage, monitor and gain insights into their tenant’s energy consumption through one system. By tackling two energy management needs in one, the application offers more functionality than proprietary systems. The approach aligns with the organisation’s first-class ethos, to deliver solutions and services that exceed in addressing the challenges of modern energy management. In adopting Sigma Tenant Billing, customers will receive a dedicated deployment designed to meet their specific requirements, along with continued on-going support. Simon Miles, Chief Executive Officer, TEAM added: “At a time when organisations are feeling the pressures of economic and political uncertainty, we want to help businesses in using technology to support sustainable and efficient operations. “With Sigma Tenant Billing, businesses will see operational benefits and cash savings from day one, and with the built-in option to scale-up as the business grows, customers can expect to achieve added return on their investment.” The launch of Sigma Tenant Billing marks another milestone achievement in TEAM’s product and service roadmap, demonstrating its commitment to delivering innovative and robust solutions that meet the evolving needs of the energy industry. If you have any questions relating to Sigma Tenant Billing please get in touch on 01908 889 866 or email us on enquiries@teamenergy.com.
For many students, university marks the first time in their lives that they are truly independent. But with this newfound freedom comes a whole load of new responsibilities. Among these, ensuring that you budget appropriately for your student life is of paramount importance. The more you know about your finances beforehand, the easier it will be to work out an appropriate budget. It is therefore very helpful to know how much the essentials of your accommodation are going to cost. Here are some of the most important components of your student accommodation budget. Rent Unless you have some kind of private arrangement, rent is always going to account for the biggest accommodation-related expense. According to Save the Student, the average student rent is £406, with a further £47 being spent on bills. Of course, the amount you are willing to spend on rent, the better the accommodation you will be able to procure. Some students are able to get by with the absolute most basic and minimal accommodation, but for others this can be detrimental to their overall university experience. Upgrading If you are someone who requires more luxurious accommodation than the usual options, you should look to a specialist provider. For example, if you are looking for luxury student accommodation in Newcastle, check out Collegiate. They offer all-inclusive next-level student accommodation in convenient locations. One of their options, Plummer House, is located close to both Newcastle University and Northumbria University and boasts unique features such as a games room, a VIP bar and beautiful interior design throughout the property. This is the perfect option for the most discerning students. Food The amount you need to set aside to cover your food costs will depend on a number of factors, not least of all how much work you are willing to put into your meals. If you are willing to prepare your own meals from scratch, you will find that you can feed yourself for a lot less. If spending more on your accommodation is a priority for you, look for ways to keep your food bills down. Save The Student puts the average monthly food bill for students at £108, which works out at £27 every week. However, you can reduce this amount easily by cooking as much of your food from scratch as possible. It is worth investing in a student cookbook as these will be full of money-saving meal ideas. Other Factors to Consider While your choice of accommodation is obviously an important one in determining what your university experience is like, there are other important things to consider when establishing your budget. For example, you will want to ensure you have enough money left over for some rest and relaxation. Socialising is an important part of the university experience. Overall you will want to set aside at least £400 to cover the costs of your accommodation. However, prices can vary wildly from city to city and between different accommodation types. Make sure that you carefully research the city your university is in so you can get as good an idea as possible as to how much it will cost you to live there. Remember that student housing will be cheaper than the average rent price in the area.
The content of the Chancellor’s Spring Statement washed over many in the property profession as the Brexit storm continued. But the decision by Philip Hammond to allow upwards extensions through Permitted Development (PD) Rights is significant news. The announcement, which forms part of a package of initiatives to breathe life into the ailing high street, is set to go ahead via regulations due this autumn and followed an extremely contentious consultation earlier this year. In the absence of a planning process to scrutinise projects that will add to building heights, the issue of Rights of Light (ROL) becomes a very serious consideration, and one with significant consequences. ROL is a form of easement in Common Law which entitles property owners to benefit from a certain level of light, which can be measured (before and after construction) by technical ROL assessments. A ROL may be acquired by an aperture that has enjoyed a level of light uninterrupted for 20 years. There many other ways apertures can also enjoy this right. Because Daylight and Sunlight assessments are usually a component of a planning application, they are currently required at an early stage in the process. The planning system also necessitates that local residents are consulted on a planning application, allowing those with legitimate concerns to assert their point of view. With this step removed, developers could potentially proceed unaware of any objections – resulting in building works then being halted through an injunction either during the process or post-completion. So while developers might look set to gain from the opportunity to create additional storeys and in doing so, increase the net lettable areas of commercial properties, in reality the situation is precarious. Without the stringent procedures and ultimately the reassurance that the planning system offers, developers could potentially embark on building works and only on completion suffer significant consequences. This could be anything up to a year post development and in extreme cases up to 6 years. In fact, there is already precedent ordering new construction to be torn down in such circumstances. In 2010 the courts ordered the demolition of the top storeys of a building in the centre of Leeds because it obstructed a neighbour’s natural light. Needless to say, following this case there has been a significant increase in the public’s awareness of their rights. The likely result of this change in policy is that we will see an increase in the number of both investigations and claims. Although we anticipate that the permitted development rights will take into account issues including overlooking and overshadowing, it is unclear how this would be implemented. Strategically-minded developers may seek to prevent or extinguish Rights of Light from being acquired by issuing a Light Obstruction Notice (LON) for a period of 12 months prior to construction – after which, nullifies a claim for light if left unchallenged, thereby resetting the prescriptive 20 year clock. It is unsurprising that the number of professionals offering expertise in this area has grown considerably in the past years. Having worked for an ROL specialist for many years, I saw considerable benefit in joining Trident, which, as a multidisciplinary building consultancy, has the ability to advise both (would-be) developers and neighbours in the context of the bigger picture. As land values increase and buildings grow taller, ROL has become increasingly important. Combining PropTech, extensive theoretical and practical knowledge, and the support of its national network, Trident’s growing ROL team has the capacity and resources to meet the demands of all project sizes, in all locations. While permitted development rights offer some freedom, too much freedom can be dangerous: pushing risk further down the line only increases risk. So developers are advised to seek professional advice at an early stage to avoid the significant expense of having to pull down an extension and begin again. www.tridentbc.com