LATEST NEWS
Energy Performance Certificates
From October 2008 any property owner building, selling or letting out commercial property will by law need to provide an Energy Performance Certificate.
These certificates will rate a property's energy efficiency with grades from A-G (A being the most efficient) and are there to help distinguish buildings for prospective purchasers and tenants.
The regulations on EPC's will, by October, apply to all remaining buildings apart from a few minor exceptions Public buildings over 1000 sq.m. will be required to have Display Energy Certificates.
Whilst there is no need to provide a certificate for an existing tenancy, on a sale or letting the EPC must be given free of charge to a prospective buyer or tenant.
Certificates must be provided by energy assessors who are accredited and registered with a commercial property scheme and the cost will depend on a number of factors and will need to be factored in when selling or leasing a property.
storeys:ssp, in association with Neeco Limited (North East Energy Consultants Limited) can provide these certificates. For further information contact Andy Kahn on t: 0845 241 7767.
Penalties for not providing an EPC will be 12.5% of the rateable value of the building with minimum and maximum limits of £500 to £5,000.
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Planning Changes
storeys:ssp have made two key appointments to their planning team in Newcastle.
Helen Marks, an experienced planner who has worked for private and public sector clients including Vico Properties (Northern) Ltd, Balfour Beatty, Morley, ISIS (Pension Funds) the RDA’s, the NHS, Crown Estate and the London Development Agency, has joined storeys:ssp as an Associate. She will specialise in providing planning advice in respect of major commercial, residential and mixed use development proposals on behalf of private sector clients.
Helen has a wealth of experience having worked in both the public and private sector including time with commercial agents CB Richard Ellis and also Newcastle City Council.
Said Helen “I am really looking forward to the challenge of working directly in commercial property again and looking to assist our clients in realising the maximum potential of their property assets. The added value that can be brought through the “planning process is particularly significant in the current market”.
Helen is joined by Michael Spurgeon another experienced planner who has experience in the public and private sector. Michael was previously Policy Officer with North East Assembly and has experience in economic development and retail policy formulation; project inception and management; consultation as well as planning policy research and analysis; preparation of planning applications and appeals; site assessment and appraisals and supporting statements.
The storeys:ssp planning team has increased rapidly following on from successful applications including the largest planning application in Newcastle since 1973 for Downing Plaza, Gallowgate in Newcastle. |
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Planning Permission Granted at Buildings Farm
Graphite Resources are celebrating after a Government Inspector reversed a decision by Gateshead Council and granted planning permission for a green waste composting proposal at Buildings Farm, Clara Vale.
Graphite Resources had their planning application refused by Gateshead Council. They appealed at a local planning hearing held in Clara Vale on 29th January.
In reaching a decision the Inspector concluded that the proposal would accord with sustainable waste policies, would not harm the character of the surrounding Green Belt and would not have an adverse effect on residents living close by.
Roger Marsh of storeys:ssp who acted on behalf of Graphite Resources in the planning application and appeal said “This is a good result which vindicates Graphite Resources decision to appeal Gateshead Council’s refusal. Whilst there was local opposition, after a public discussion of the issues the Inspector has found that the environmental benefits of this carefully put together application clearly outweighed any perceived harm. After considerable delay this is a great planning result with an added bonus that the Inspector has allowed a claim for costs against the Council.
The application on this one hectare farm was for the redevelopment of the existing farm buildings and infrastructure to a purpose built, self contained facility for the controlled composting of green waste in enclosed tunnels to produce a high quality organic soil conditioner.
Michael Thompson of Graphite Resources commented “ We are delighted that we at last have achieved a planning permission. We knew it was right and are delighted that the Inspector has agreed. We would like to thank storeys:ssp and Wardell Armstrong for their excellent support and service in this matter.
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Directors' Appointed
Colin Hunter, Richard Stevenson and Richard Wilson have all been promoted to Director at storeys:ssp. Colin is based in Leeds and primarily deals with landlord & tenant and rating work. Richard Stevenson in Teesside and Richard Wilson in Newcastle both specialise in valuations.
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