The article warns buyers of new-build homes to understand estate management arrangements before exchanging contracts, particularly where privately managed communal areas and associated charges apply. It notes that such charges are increasingly common on larger developments and may cover roads, green spaces, drainage, play areas and other shared facilities.
The article reports two new legal technology launches aimed at conveyancing and small to mid-sized law firms. ClearPath AI has introduced ClearPathOS, an AI operating system designed to work alongside existing case management systems, while Adjurn has launched a practice management platform that combines matter handling, billing, compliance and document management with AI features.
The article indicates that HMRC property tax inspectors are expected to make valuation visits, with the tax applying from 2028. No further detail is provided in the excerpt about the scope, methodology or affected property types.
Ardmore Construction Group Ltd has entered administration following a court ruling linked to a £14.9m liability to Crest Nicholson over cladding defects at a Portsmouth residential development. Administrators say unsecured creditors, including subcontractors, are unlikely to recover any funds, while further building liability order claims could expose the group to substantially more liabilities.
Administrators have revealed the wider fallout from the collapse of Ardmore, with six firms going under in June and subcontractors across the group owed more than £23m. The article highlights the scale of unpaid liabilities affecting the supply chain and tax authorities following the insolvency event.
The article argues that views on AI in conveyancing are becoming polarised, with some professionals expecting perfection and dismissing the technology when it falls short. It stresses that AI can support legal work, but responsibility, review and judgement must remain with the lawyer, particularly where client communications are concerned.
An insolvency investigation into collapsed cladding contractor M Price Group Ltd has led to a demand that its two directors repay more than £600,000. The claim relates to transactions made before the company’s collapse and has been raised by insolvency specialist Seneca IP.
The Upper Tribunal considered whether information held by the Information Commissioner could be withheld under the FOIA absolute exemption where disclosure is prohibited by section 132 of the Data Protection Act 2018. It found that the First-tier Tribunal had not adequately addressed whether parts of the material could be disclosed without revealing protected information, or whether some information had already entered the public domain through council meetings, and remitted the case for reconsideration.
The Planning Inspectorate has announced that the Beacon Fen Energy Park development consent order has been granted by the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero. The scheme includes a 400MW solar photovoltaic farm, battery energy storage, a substation and associated electrical connection works, following a six-month examination process.
Ashall Projects has applied for planning permission to refurbish and upgrade the vacant, grade II-listed Majestic Hotel in Barrow. The scheme includes window repairs, internal refurbishment and some kitchenette provision, with IHG expected to operate the building under its Garner brand if approved.
A lettings agency became involved in enforcement action and a tribunal appeal after a landlord failed to complete electrical safety remedial works within the required timeframe. The tribunal upheld a £7,500 fine, finding that serious defects remained unresolved well beyond the legal deadline and that the penalty was appropriate.
A court has upheld a £7,500 fine imposed by West Suffolk Council on a private landlord after serious electrical safety defects were left unresolved beyond the legal deadline. The case involved an EICR identifying multiple code 1 and code 2 hazards, with the council taking enforcement action after the landlord failed to complete remedial works or seek an extension in time.
