ABSTRACT

This chapter deals with other forms of control which exist quite independently of planning control, and situations where there is an apparent degree of overlap with planning control which may give rise to potential conflict. The legal rights of the land or property owner are circumscribed by the town and country planning legislation, the most important element of which is the removal of the owner's right to carry out development without first gaining planning consent. Where restrictive covenants exist, they are incorporated in the deeds relating to the property, and a potential purchaser is thereby made aware of their existence. Building regulations are designed to ensure adequate standards of building work for the construction of domestic, commercial and industrial buildings. They are laid down by Parliament, and are supported by technical guidance on compliance known as 'Approved Documents' which set out the legal requirements.