By Legal Futures’ Associate Future Climate Info
Following the launch of new and enhanced Commercial Environmental Risk Reports, Future Climate Info has created a quick, cost effective and robust route to investigate and solve potential environmental liabilities flagged in reports.
A residential or commercial environmental search may have highlighted possible liabilities associated with the ‘Contaminated Land’ regime. FCI Appraisal utilises in-house environmental consultancy expertise to approach the regulators to gather and review additional property-specific information.
By quantifying the likely magnitude of the risks identified in the original search, in the majority of cases, a “pass” risk assessment can then be given.
The consultancy team will also highlight any likely constraints to future redevelopment ambitions, or top-level operational risks.. Where unacceptable risks remain, clear next steps on mitigation or resolution are provided.
“We are all about providing clear solutions for our clients” said Tim Champney, Risk and Consultancy Manager “With a more informed assessment, we are able to keep the transaction moving.
We liaise with various regulators, including the Local Authority Environmental Health Department, the Environment Agency and Petroleum Enforcement Authorities. We will review any relevant information held by the Planning and Building Control teams where necessary.
Where there is clear evidence of remediation for example, or where we can demonstrate that past activity does not give cause for greater concern, we can reassure clients with a professional opinion based on detailed research and expertise, not just data. “
Sometimes a more forensic site analysis is required. The FCI Walkover service goes one step further, providing insight from a physical inspection of the property or site by one of FCI’s IEMA, CIWEM or RICS accredited consultants. This can help highlight the historical and current features that could cause environmental harm to soils or controlled waters that could lead to regulatory action.
The services are provided on a fixed fee basis, based on standard size property/site area bands. All costs charged by regulators are included so that conveyancers can be confident of the final cost to the client. This means no hidden or variable fees – and no limit to the number of enquiries that may need to be made.
A named contact manages the project end to end, keeping conveyancers up-to-date and informed on progress.
For more information on FCI’s new consultancy service for residential and commercial property transactions, visit www.futureclimateinfo.com , call 01732 755180 or email consultancy@futureclimateinfo.com
