A solicitor specialising in legal battles between warring neighbours has come up with new way to potentially reduce the number of disputes that arise due to people extending their homes.

In a bid to show that everybody needs good neighbours, solicitor Liam Waine has developed a ‘pre-development’ service which should eradicate the potential for legal disputes to arise in the first place.

Liam, a partner at Stephensons Solicitors LLP, explains: “A person’s home is their castle, and planning any home improvements or property developments should be an exciting time. Development work can be stressful, costly and time-consuming at the best of times but becoming involved in a dispute with a neighbour because they’re not happy with the planned works in some way, could turn your dream into a nightmare.”

The pre-development service can help guide a homeowner throughout the entire property planning process. It is a fixed price service (£495 plus VAT) aimed at keeping the risk of getting involved in a costly and unpleasant neighbour dispute to an absolute minimum.

The service involves a review of the relevant documentation by Stephensons’ specialist land and neighbour dispute team, who will highlight any potential issues with the intended development. They will then prepare a letter informing neighbours of the proposals and inviting them to raise any concerns they have.

Liam continues: “We have acted in hundreds of neighbour and land disputes over many years. We know more than most that by the time legal issues are often considered, it is too late. The new service allows property owners to plan ahead, considering any potential issues before they become a problem.”

For more information on this service or if you are already involved in a dispute with a neighbour contact our legal advisers on 0333 344 4772 or complete our online enquiry form.

ENDS

Media information:

Lianne Tracey and Chloe Kendall

Stephensons Solicitors LLP

Tel: 01616 966 229

Email: lct@stephensons.co.uk or cke@stephensons.co.uk