Legal and Regulatory Compliance (Level 1) Flashcards
Where does the Town and Country Planning Act (1990) cover and what is its’ purpose?
TCPA (1990) covers the UK
- States the policies and general proposals for the development and other use of land in its’ area
- Provides the framework for local plans
Where does the NPPF cover and what is its’ purpose?
NPPF covers England
- Sets out the government’s economic, environmental, and social planning policies for England
What are the upcoming changes to the NPPF from the consultations in 2023?
- Removal of LPAs requirement to continually demonstrate 5 year land supply for housing providing its requirement in its strategic policies is less than 5 years old
- Changes to test of soundness for development plans
Specific reference to older persons housing to be included in LPAs establishing the need for housing - Greater protection of Green Belt
Where does the London Plan (2021) cover and what is its’ purpose?
- Covers the GLA
- Sets out spatial development strategy for Greater London
- Framework for how London will develop over the next 20-25 years
What does the Land Compensation Act (1973) set out?
The land compensation act covers the following:
- claims for compensation for diminution in value caused to the property from physical factors brought about by the use or altered public works
- the powers for mitigating such effects
- to amend the law relating to compulsory purchase and planning blight
What does the Land Compensation Act (1961) cover?
The act sets out assessment of compensation in relation to compulsory acquisitions, the withdrawal of notices to treat and payment of additional compensation in connection with these situations
What are the key principles of land compensation (1961)?
Land Compensation Act (1961) sets out the following rules for assessing compensation in respect of compulsory purchase acquisitions:
- No allowance shall be made on the account of the acquisition being compulsory
- The value of the land is to be considered the open market value
- The special suitability or adaptability of the land for any purpose shall not be taken into account if that purpose is a purpose to which it could be applied only in pursuance of statutory -powers, or for which there is no market apart from the special needs of a particular purchaser
- If the value of the land is increased by any reason restricted by law that the uplift in value will not be considered
- Where the land is being used in a manner where there is no general market demand the compensation may be assessed based on the reasonable cost of equivalent reinstatement
- The open market value of the land will not influence the assessment of compensation for disturbance
Tell me about health & safety legislation relating to development projects
- Construction Design and Management (CDM) Regulations (2015)
- Building Regulations (2022)
- Fire Safety Act (2021)
- Building Safety Act (2022)
Tell me about disability legislation relating to development projects.
Equality Act (2010)
- legally protects people from discrimination in the workplace and in wider society
Building Regulations (2022)
- Part M of Building Regulations sets out minimum requirements to ensure that a broad range of people are able to access and use facilities within buildings
Tell me about construction legislation relating to development projects.
Building Act (1984)
- purpose is to secure the health, safety, welfare and convenience of persons in or about buildings and of others who may be affected by buildings or matters connected with buildings
Health and Safety at Work Act (1974)
- Sets out that ‘Duty is owed to every employer to ensure so far as reasonably predictable, the health and safety of all employees’
- The act is policed and enforced by the Health and Safety Executive
What is an Environment Impact Assessment?
Environment Impact Assessment – a tool used to assess the significant effects of a project or development on the environment
EIAs make sure that project decision makers think about the likely effects on the environment at the earliest possible time and aim to avoid, reduce or offset those effects.
What is a Strategic Environment Assessment?
Strategic Environment Assessment - is a systematic process for evaluating the environmental implications of a proposed policy, plan or programme and provides means for looking at cumulative effects and appropriately address them at the earliest stage of decision making
Tell me briefly about the statutory control of building works
The key pieces of statutory control of building works are planning policy and building regulations
Building Regulations Approval - covers the structural, safety and accessibility aspects of development and progress throughout the construction
When you make a building regulations application you are seeking to have the details of your development checked and approved for compliance with the standards of construction
What is the difference between planning permission and building control?
Planning permission is assessing whether the development fits in with local and national polices and the local neighbourhood
Building control covers the structural, safety and accessibility aspects of development
Tell me about your understanding of current building regulations.
Building Regulations (2022)
Purpose – protect people’s safety, health and welfare in and around buildings
Enforced by the local planning/building authority.
What are the different parts of Building Regulations?
They are split into the following parts:
Part A - Structure
Part B - Fire Safety
Part C - Site preparation and resistance to contaminants and moisture
Part D - Toxic Substances
Part E - Resistance to the passage of sount
Part F - Ventilation
Part G - Sanitation, hot water safety and water efficiency
Part H - Drainage and Waste Disposal
Part J - Combustion appliances and fuel storage systems
Part K - Protection from falling, collision and impact
Part L - Conservation of fuel and power
Part M - Access to and use of buildings
Part N - Glazing Safety (Withdrawn)
Part O - Overheating
Part P - Electrical Safety
Part Q - Security
Part R - Physical infrastructure for high-speed electronic communications networks
Part S – Infrastructure for the charging of electric vehicles
Regulation 7 - Materials and workmanship
What enforcement controls exist on unauthorised building works?
Unauthorised building works are works carried out that do not comply with Building Regulations – known as a CONTRAVENTION
A failure to comply with building regulations or gain the necessary approvals will result in the issuing of an enforcement notice and legal action
If prosecuted, you could be faced with a fine of up to £5,000, plus £50 for each day after the conviction that the work is not put right, as well as the cost of correcting the works
What is Part L of the Building Regulations?
Part L of the Building Regulations – Conservation of Fuel and Power
- contains current and future guidance covering the energy efficiency requirements - includes information about limiting heat gains and losses, air permeability and pressure testing, insulation regulations, boiler productivity, lighting, and storage techniques for hot water
What changes to the Approved Documents (Building Regulations) apply from June 2022?
Changes to Building Regulations came into effect 15 June 2022 - The changes follow the Government’s response to the Future Homes Standard consultation and are part of the plan to move to net zero by 2050
Changes were made to:
- Part F – Ventilation
- Part L – Conservation to Fuel and Power
- Part O – Overheating
- Part S – Infrastructure for the charging of electric vehicles
Key Changes Include:
- New build homes will need to produce at least 31% less carbon emissions
- New non-domestic builds will need to produce at least 27% less carbon emissions
- Introduction of Part O – introduces glazing limits
- Introduction of Part S - requires all domestic new builds to have the preparatory work completed for future installation of an electric vehicle charging point
How do transitional arrangements work when the Building Regulations are amended?
Transitional Provisions - the “Transitional Provisions” come into force 15th June 2022, that is to say projects where a building regulations application has been made before this date will benefit from the old regulations, provided a “start on site” for that particular building is made before 14th June 2023.
What is the Equality Act 2010 and how does it impact upon your scope of practice?
Equality Act (2010)
- legally protects people from discrimination in the workplace and in wider society
It means that all buildings constructed must ensure that a broad range of people are able to access and use facilities within buildings (covered under Part M of building regulations)
Talk me through the requirements of the Modern Slavery Act 2015.
There are two main parts to the requirements of the Modern Slavery Act.
- Take action to identify, prevent and mitigate modern slavery in your operations and supply chains.
- Publish an annual statement to report on these actions – within six months of your company’s financial year-end.
What are the objectives of the Modern Slavery Act (2015)?
Objectives
- Give law enforcement the tools to fight modern slavery
- Ensure perpetrators can receive suitably severe punishments
- Enhance support and protection for victims
Talk me through your understanding of contract principles in respect of valuation terms of engagement
The 3 key components to make a legally binding contract are offer, acceptance and consideration
To set these out in the terms of engagement you must
- Offer – set out the scope of services being provided
- Acceptance – receive signature from both parties entering into the contract
- Consideration – set out the agreed fees for the services
Talk me through your understanding of contamination and the polluter pays principle.
The ‘polluter pays’ principle is the commonly accepted practice that those who produce pollution should bear the costs of managing it to prevent damage to human health or the environment
Talk me through your understanding of the Environmental Protection Act 1990.
Environmental Protection Act (1990)
- Protects the environment from pollution and its’ effects
imposes duties under on certain landowners and occupiers to keep specified land clear of litter and refuse, and on local authorities and the Secretary of State to keep clean public highways for which they are responsible
Talk me through the key principles of NPPF
National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) – Only covers England
Sets out the government’s economic, environmental, and social planning policies for England
Key aim of the NPPF is ‘presumption in favour of sustainable development’
The 12 core planning principles within the NPPF are:
- Plan led - empowering local communities.
- Creatively find ways to enhance and improve places where people live.
- Support economic development - objectively identify and meet development needs.
- Secure high quality design.
- Promote vitality of urban areas, protect greenbelt, recognise special character and beauty of country side and support thriving rural communities.
- Support the transition to a low-carbon future.
- Conserve and enhance the natural environment.
- Encourage the re-use of previously developed land.
- Promote mixed use developments.
- Conserve heritage assets “in a manner appropriate to their significance”.
- Manage patterns of growth to make full use of public transport, walking and cycling.
- Take account of local strategies to improve health, social, and cultural well being
When was the NPPF last updated and what key changes were made?
NPPF was last revised July 2021 the key changes were:
- Emphasis on design and quality
- Improvements to environmental and social aspects being integrated rather than encouraged
- Requirements to create beautiful and safe spaces
Who regulates the financial sector in the UK?
The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) regulates the financial services industry in the UK.
Its role includes protecting consumers, keeping the industry stable, and promoting healthy competition between financial service providers.