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There are hard-hitting truths lurking behind the attractions and incentives of photovoltaic panel installation. At first, installation seems laden with sunshine – literally and metaphorically.  Income can be generated through free electricity with a chance to sell excess supply to the grid. The panels are environmentally friendly.  The government even subsidises the installation tax-free. But there are implications.   Installing panels on a residential block will often require planning permission.  This m

A property manager who failed to fit smoke alarms to a rented house where two toddlers died in a fire has been jailed for 12 months.   In a landmark case, Kamal Bains was told that not installing smoke detectors to the property was a “significant cause” of the deaths of three-year-old Logan Taylor and Jake Casey, two.   Leeds Crown Court heard that the boys died in a fire caused by an electrical fault in a TV in their bedroom on 20 February 2016. Their mother, Emma Taylor, had tried to rescue her children

Clive Scrivener BSc (Hons) MRICS answers 10 questions you might be afraid to ask… Q1: What work is notifiable under the Party Wall etc Act 1996? While all these works must have all relevant planning and building regulations approvals before they may proceed, the absence of these consents at the time a party wall award is made is not essential to the award being made but it is advisable to obtain the ‘consents’ first: Creating a typical loft extension. Removal of chimney breasts. Excavations for a side

Detectives investigating the Grenfell Tower fire have carried out three interviews under caution over potential offences related to the disaster – including manslaughter. The interviews have taken place since late June but were only confirmed yesterday (July 19) by Scotland Yard. Possible charges being considered include gross negligence manslaughter, corporate manslaughter and breaches of the Health and Safety Act. A spokesperson said in a statement: “The police investigation into the Grenfell Tower fire

Young Leasehold Professionals and Block Recruit have introduced a wonderful range of speakers discussing subjects that will inspire the future of the leasehold industry. Date & Time: 16 Aug, 13:00 – 17:00 Venue: De Vere Grand Connaught Rooms, 61-65 Great Queen St, London WC2B 5DA, UK Inspiration Day will be an afternoon of talks aimed to inspire you to change the way you think, the way you work and the way you approach problems. The purpose is to encourage thought, encourage people to look at things in a

The founder of Principle Estate Management has recruited his former PA to manage the office as the new business continues to grow. Brett Williams launched Principle in Birmingham in April this year to provide a nationwide property management service, and was last month joined by director Joe Jobson. Now the company has appointed Belinda Beasmore, who has 17 years’ experience of the property management sector, as executive assistant. Brett Williams, managing director of Principle, said: “Belinda is a peopl

What is a lease, what does the lease entitle you to do and what are you restricted from doing? We moved to new offices exactly a year ago and we have been kept very busy dealing with lease extensions and enfranchisements of flats and houses.   It might be helpful to members of the public to know the ‘basics’;  if these are stating the obvious, we apologise, but if there are ‘snippets’ here you did not know we will be very pleased. Leasehold, as a form of property ownership, has been part of English proper

The Association of Leasehold Enfranchisement Practitioners (ALEP) is hosting its annual conference on Tuesday 9 October 2018.   This year's conference will see delegates enjoy practical business advice along with insightful presentations and case studies about leasehold enfranchisement from some of the sector’s elite.   Held at London’s 30 Euston Square, the conference will have a morning session which will focus on the digital world.  Josh Whiten, Google expert and marketing consultant, will discus

Thank-you to everyone who joined us at The Oyster Shed on 4 July 2018 or our Property Management Awards Launch Party, kindly sponsored by ilecs, Realty Law, St Giles, Trinergy and supported by Block Recruit. We hope you had a fantastic evening.  The News on the Block team were delighted to announce this years venue, the fabulous Marquee at Finsbury Square. The theme for 2018 is Christmas in New York! The entry portal is now open and entries will close on 21 September 2018 so you have plenty of time to per

Innovative developers are responsible for the conversion of a terraced four-story Victorian house - in West Hampstead, London - into fourteen mini-apartments just under 194 square feet. Designed by Laura Encinas of architecture and design practice Bicbloc, the 18 square metre micro-apartments were developed and constructed for £600 000; they are estimated to be worth around £371 000. Encinas said: "The property was converted in line with a co-living concept, according to the client’s wish to ‘cater to the

A two-bedroom flat in New Cumnock, East Ayrshire, was put up for auction this June for the head-turning guide price of £4,995. Similar properties in the area would cost £30 000, making the guide price that of a small car and a surprising fraction of the normal cost. However, the property is said to need a complete renovation after a pipe burst in the flat above it, causing water damage. Having recently refurbished it before the incident took place, the owner decided they did not want to take up the projec

Tuesday afternoon in central London, 21 firefighters and four fire engines rushed to deal with a fire outbreak at a block of maisonettes. Startling images show that the fire, in Marylebone, could be seen from miles away. A five-roomed maisonette on the second and third floor were alight, according to the London Fire Brigade. They were called at 3.55 pm, with the fire said to be under control by 5.30. There were several fire station crews at the scene, including Kensington, Kentish Town, Hammersmith and We