Blakemore Walker Chartered Surveyors & Legal Consultants

SPECIALISING IN PROPERTY PURCHASE AND SALES IN ASTURIAS, CANTABRIA & GALICIA

MEMBERS OF THE ROYAL INSTITUTION OF CHARTERED SURVEYORS

PLANNING PERMISSIONS

CONSTRUCTION

DESIGN AND ARCHITECTURE

GALICIAN PARADISE OR NOT

Local laws in Galicia have dictated that checks should always be carried out on the planning status of agricultural land. This is due to the potential right of the authorities to enforce the continued use of the land for agricultural purposes which may result in the unwary purchaser not being able to construct their dream home.

Clive Robbins MRICS (Managing Director) August 2010

A SECURE ROOF OVER MY HEAD?

The question is often asked whether planning permission is required to put a new roof on a house. The answer is yes and yet there are many construction jobs that are carried out without the proper permissions, or no permissions at all. The local builder who is keen to obtain the work, will often advise that a simple permission to carry out minor works is sufficient, when infact the roof structure is being changed. Not having the relevant permission can result in fines and potentially the removal, at the owner's cost, of the offending structure.

Clive Robbins MRICS (Managing Director) April 2010

ARE YOU SAFE ON THE BEACHES?

New laws coming into force may restrict the use, and at worst affect the title ownership, of properties located close to the waterfront. "La ley de la costa" applies to all spanish territory and although the implications of the law will only affect those who already own a property next to the beach, we recommend that proper checks should always be carried out before committing to a purchase.

Clive Robbins MRICS (Managing Director) May 2009

ALTERNATIVE ENERGY - PLANNING LAW IMPLICATIONS

It is now imperative when renovating older buildings, or building from new, that the required planning application includes the provision of at least 30% of total energy requirement as being supplied from an alternative energy source. This could include solar panels or ground source heating to name but a few.

Most works to residential buildings in Spain will require planning permission and not seeking and obtaining the correct advice may cost you more than you think.

Clive Robbins MRICS (Managing Director) May 2009