Conveyancing in Northampton – local concerns and issues

Victorian band stand Abington Park Northampton

Northampton is the third largest town in England with a population of about 200,000. Its excellent road, train and bus systems make it a desirable area to purchase property and Conveyancing in Northampton is on the rise. East Hunsbury is home to large housing estates and Wake Way near Grange Park is a street with particularly high turnover; Turnberry Lane near Collintree Park Golf Course is one of the most expensive streets in the postcode.

An ideal Conveyancing Solicitor not only possesses the legal expertise to handle a transaction but also the knowledge of the local area, such as environmental health and planning restrictions, to avoid delays and complications.

Contaminated Land Areas

In common with many urban areas, Northampton has a long of history of industrial development. The town has particular associations with the tanning and footwear industries, a number of ironstone quarries were developed in the area and significant deposits of sand and gravel have been extracted in parts of the Nene valley. This long industrial history has resulted in pollution that must be cleaned up before the land can be redeveloped and is a serious concern for home owners and purchasers to be aware of.

A great deal of land has been cleaned up in Northampton as it has been redeveloped. Identified sites must be properly investigated, and appropriate clean up works carried out to make the land 'suitable for use'.

The issue of contaminated land is frequently raised during house purchases and other property transactions. The local search carried out by your Conveyancing in Northampton Solicitor includes questions about the land in the vicinity that has been determined as contaminated land.
Environmental searches may also raise questions about potentially contaminative land uses in the vicinity of a property. The Council may have more specific information available about individual sites, and planning conditions imposed during the redevelopment of former industrial land.

The local council for properties in the area is Northampton Borough Council at The Guildhall, St. Giles Square, Northampton, NN1 1DE.

Conservation areas and Listed Buildings in Northampton

Northampton is rich with several beautiful buildings and areas which are distinguished by their architecture, landscape and history, creating an attractive environment for home owners; however, in order to preserve these areas, many have been designated as conservation areas and contain listed buildings.

Conservation areas in Northampton include: Abington Park, Dallington, Great Houghton, All Saints, Delapre, Wootton, Kingsthorpe, Weston Favell, St. Crispin, St. Giles, Great Billing, Barrack Road, The Boot and Shoe Quarter, Derngate and Hardingstone.

The local search carried out by your Conveyancing Solicitor when you are buying a property will reveal whether the home lies within a conservation area. Any trees on your property are automatically protected meaning it will be considered an offence if you cut down, damage, or wilfully destroy any tree without the consent of the local council.

If you apply for planning permission you will find there are much more stringent requirements than normal. The application must preserve the character and appearance of the area, so you may find it more difficult to get your application passed.

Permitted developments such as the enlargement, improvement or alterations to a house like rear or side extensions as well as general alterations such as new windows and doors can also be far more restricted in a conservation area, therefore it is crucial, no matter how minor the renovation, that the appropriate approval is obtained.

Flood Risks

A recent planning application by a major developer in Northampton to build 176 new homes on a piece of farmland on the outskirts of Northampton has stirred up a lot of controversy and fears by local home owners as the land that will be used is largely flood plain land and the exact area was affected by past flooding in 1998.

The Environmental Agency believes that past developments, as well as changes in agricultural practice, have led to an increased risk of flooding in Northampton and the Nene Valley.

As this is true for many areas in Northampton, it is crucial that purchasers and their Conveyancing Solicitor are fully aware of the risks of flooding to an individual property and its surroundings when buying a home. The local area search and Sellers Property Information Form (SPIF) provided by the proprietors’ Solicitor will identify local flood risks and previous occurrences at the property itself.

This is very important information and should not be overlooked as it will affect the insurance plan that is obtained and is also a requirement of the mortgage lender. Flood excess plans can vary and if the appropriate information is not given to the insurance company ahead of time, home owners can be very disappointed to find out that they are not fully protected in the event of an emergency.

Development Projects in Northampton

One of the major projects currently underway in Northampton is the multi-million pound redevelopment of Bridge Street, St Johns and Angel Street south of the Town Centre, which will significantly transform the area. The entire development is expected to be completed by autumn 2014. While this is will benefit residents and home owners in Northampton and contribute to a healthy economy, ongoing works can also be an inconvenience for property owners. Works taking place in the immediate vicinity of a property will be identified in the results of the local area search carried out by your Conveyancing Solicitor. Additional concerns and enquiries can once again be made by contacting Northampton Borough Council.

Our recommended Solicitors in Northampton are familiar with all the local issues and will ensure that no details are overlooked when dealing with your property transaction.

For more information or to instruct a Solicitor for your sale or purchase, contact Fridaysmove at 0330 660 0286.