Letters re financial contribution conditions

Conveyancing 16/05/2024

The Conveyancing Committee recently received a query as to whether either original or certified copy letters confirming payment of financial contributions contained in grants of planning permission should be obtained from developer’s solicitors.

The solicitor in question reported that original or certified copy letters are often demanded on subsequent sales. The Conveyancing Committee’s view is that practitioners may accept copy letters confirming payment of financial contributions unless the solicitor acting for the purchaser is on notice of any issue or there is any concern as regards the veracity of any such copy letter or document.

The Committee would also note and acknowledge that many local authorities issue letters confirming compliance with financial contribution conditions in electronic format only.