PC3 Legal framework and processes Flashcards

1
Q

What is a ‘fitness for purpose clause’

A

A contract clause that makes the contractor or designer legally obliged to produce a result/ end product that is fitness for purpose, regardless of the level of skill and care used. Instead, the phrasing ‘use reasonable skill and care’ is better/ best practice. ‘Fitness for purpose’ also not typically covered by PII.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
2
Q

What are Liquidated Damages?

A

A pre-agreed amount of money set out in advance of the contract. This sum of money is payable to the client (usually on a daily/ weekly basis), if the contractor breaches the contract (typically by overrunning past the agreed completion date without an agreed extension of time)

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
3
Q

What are they acts/ frameworks that govern/ restrict development in the UK?

A
  • Town and Country Planning Act 1990: sets out rules and processes for development in the UK
  • Localism Act: transfers powers to local communities, giving them control over matters like planning, housing, community matters etc.
  • National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF): Outlines government planning policies and their application on a local level, so provides guidance for LPAs as to when planning approval should be granted. Main aspects are economic, environmental and social.
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
4
Q

What is NPPG (National Planning Practice Guidance)

A

NPPG is online resource which provides guidance application of the NPPF

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
5
Q

What is the development plan?

A

LAs will have their own local development plans which include policies which help determine planning applications. Under the umbrella of the development plan is also the London Plan, Neighbourhood Plan and saved policies from former regional strategies.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
6
Q

What are material considerations?

A

matters relevant to whether an application will be approved or not, or whether it goes against policies. For example, in my case study, we implemented roof access equipment which was visible externally and checked with the planner whether this would be a material consideration. They confirmed it would not be, ie wouldn’t factor into whether the app. would be approved or not. Therefore, could be included as a ‘non-material amendment’

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
7
Q

What are permitted development rights?

A

Types of development which do not require planning approval. There are lengthy documents for different types of development which set out what can be carried out under PD rights. GPFS example.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
8
Q

What are heritage assets and Listed Buildings?

A

Monuments, buildings, sites etc. deemed to be of special interest or value. These are protected in different ways, eg works to Listed Buildings may require Listed Building Consent. Can find all HAs and LBs on Historic England website.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
9
Q

What is Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL)?

A

A payment required with planning that goes towards development of infrastructure within a local area. Whether the development will require Levy and how much depends on things like location and size.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
10
Q

What is Outline Planning approval and when is it appropriate?

A

A consent that you can obtain early in the development process which gives approval subject to ‘reserved matters’. Useful to ascertain, in early stages, whether a project is likely to gain full approval before significant costs are incurred.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
11
Q

What is a pre-app and how is it different

A

A pre-app enquiry also allows you to ascertain whether a project is likely to gain full approval in the early stages, and also what additional information, eg flood risk assessment, will be required with a full planning application. More like informal advice rather than an initial formal approval and is caveated.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
12
Q

What is a Lawful Development Certificate?

A

Typically for developments carried out under permitted development rights. A formal certificate which confirms that development was carried out lawfully. Can be useful legal document when homeowner comes to sell property.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
13
Q

What is a CLEUD?

A

Certificate of lawful use or development. For developments which have not gained approval but have remained in that use for a period of time. Doesn’t actually make it lawful but prevents enforcement.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
14
Q

What is Full Planning Application?

A

All information submitted simultaneously for approval, subject to conditions.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
15
Q

What is a Design and Access Statement?

A

A report, required with planning applications for major developments and developments within conservation areas or heritage assets/ listed buildings, which helps explain why the proposed development is suitable for the site and how adequate access will be provided.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
16
Q

What is right to light?

A

An easement that gives a landowner right to receive light through openings. Planning approval can be denied if a proposed development would obstruct this.

17
Q

What is an easement?

A

A right exercised over a piece of land or property for the benefit of another piece of land or property.

18
Q

What is a covenant?

A

Restrictions on use of land placed by previous owner

19
Q

What are wayleaves

A

these permit services to pass over or under land

20
Q

What type of things might you want to ascertain from a pre-app enquiry or meeting?

A
  • Relevant planning policies
  • Validation requirements
  • Requirement for environmental impact assessment
  • CIL
  • Whether the proposals would be likely to gain approval
21
Q

What are the stages of a planning application?

A
  • Pre-app advice (optional)
  • Validation
  • Consultation and publicity (statutory and non-statutory bodies consulted eg English Heritage, Highways; prospective development publicly viewable and open for comment)
  • Consideration: planning officer reviews, taking into account consultation responses and relevant policies
  • Negotiation: sometimes will identify issues and request amends to info
  • Recommendation: Planning officer makes recommendations - passed onto division member who decides whether it should be delegated or evaluated by committee.
  • Decision: 8, 13 or 16 weeks depending (minor, major, requires environmental impact assessment) from validation
    Conditions
22
Q

What are delegated powers vs committee?

A

Once planning officer has assessed an application and made recommendations, a division member decides if the app can be determined by delegate powers (which means planning officer can decide for themself) or goes to committee. Committee is made up of councillors who determine planning apps for larger or more sensitive developments.

23
Q

What is a party wall?

A

2 main types:
Type A: Stands astride a boundary between two properties
Type B: Sits on one owner’s property but is used by both property owners. Can also include floors between apartments etc.

24
Q

In what scenarios must you notify neighbours of works?

A

3 meter notice: Any works within 3m horizontally of a structure belonging to an adjoining owner
6 meter notice: Any works within 6m horizontally of an adjoining owner’s structure if it involves excavation that will meet a line drawn downwards 45 degrees from foundations.

25
Q

What types of notice are associated with party walls?

A
  • Line of junction notice: If building up to or on the junction line
  • Party wall or structure notice: If building work affects a party wall or structure.
  • Notice of adjacent excavation
26
Q

What is the Party Wall Act

A

Governs work associated with party walls. Means that, if undertaking relevant works, you must notify neighbouring/ affected property owners and they can consent or dissent within 14 days. If consent is not obtained within 14 days or 10 days further notice, or the neighbour dissents, the parties will then be in dispute.

27
Q

What happens when a dispute arises in relation to a party wall?

A

The parties in dispute must appoint one or two surveyors to decide whether or not the work should be carried out and how it should be done (a party wall award).

28
Q

What is ‘under hand’ vs. ‘under seal’

A

Under Hand - Simple contract signed by parties or a representative of the company. limitation period of 6 years.
Under Seal/ ‘as a deed’ - signed by parties, witnessed and made clear that it’s ‘as a deed’. Limitation period 12 years

29
Q

What is the purpose of CDM?

A

To ensure that health and safety issues are properly considered during a project’s development to reduce risk of harm to those who have to build, use and maintain buildings.

30
Q

What are the different roles under CDM?

A

Client
Designer
Principal Designer
Principal Contractor
Contractor
Worker

31
Q

What are the clients duties under CDM?

A

Unless domestic:
- Appoint relevant duty holders
- Allocate sufficient time and resources
- Prepare and supply relevant information to duty holders
- Ensure that PD and PC carry out duties
- Ensure welfare facilities provided
Domestic clients:
- Duties transferred to C or PC

32
Q

What are the Principal Designer’s duties under CDM?

A

Plan, manage, monitor and coordinate health and safety pre-construction.
- identify and eliminate or control risks
- Ensure designers carry out their duties
- prep and provide relevant info for duty holders
- Liaise w. PC to help help in PMMC during construction

33
Q

How is a designer defined under CDM and what their duties?

A

Those who, as part of a business, prep or modify designs for a building or relating to construction.

When doing the above, eliminate, reduce or control risks during
- construction and
- maintenance
Supply relevant info to help other duty holders

34
Q

What is Section 80 Demolition?

A

Section 80 Demolition notice is a notice that must be issued to the Local Authority to inform them of intended demolition.
- There are a few exceptions/ types of building which don’t require.
- Required by 1984 Building Act.
- Then need approval before commencement (takes up to 6 weeks)
- If not carried out, could incur fine or conviction

35
Q

Requirements before demolition?

A
  • Section 80 demolition notice to local authority at least 6 weeks before work commences
  • Refurbishment and demo asbestos survey (can be criminal offence not to have this on most buildings before commencing work)
  • Procuring a contractor to undertake work
  • Permissions if listed building
  • CDM requirements