Japanese Knotweed 

Problems continue where a property is found to have this invasive plant .

Surveyors can be found negligent if they fail to spot it and owners can be subject to a claim for nuisance from neighbours if they allow it to "escape"

Beware the knotweed!

Planning permission is not required for many extensions now; single-storey rear extensions must generally not extend back more than 8 metres for a detached house and 6 metres for any other house.    There are special rules for special locations limiting the distances to 4 and 3 metres and it is subject to the Neighbour Consultation Scheme whereby the Local Planning Authority is notified via a Prior Approval Application. As ever proper advice should be sought beforehand .

Potential Fraud

Everyone is increasingly aware of fraud potential anytime we transact online; Some clients and solicitors have been duped and entire sale and purchase monies have ended up in the fraudsters bank account (from whence it immediately disappears abroad never to return!) Often the scam centres on a last minute change of bank account details.

We at Foster Harrington can help to avoid this potential scam by 1. Confirming at outset to our clients and all relevant parties that we will not be changing our bank account details (which have remained the same since 1983) 2. Confirming at outset to clients that full Identity and account  details must be presented to us in person by the client and no account details of the client can be changed unless and until a client physically attends at our offices with all the appropriate new documentation .

The above is a demonstration of the failsafe policies we operate at Foster Harrington .

We also have policies in place to help protect you and us from organised crime and other common fraud threats which often centre around impersonation, vulnerable or deceased owners, empty properties etc .