Frequently Asked Questions?

Below, you'll discover responses to frequently asked questions that we regularly receive from our clients. If you don't see the topic or question you're interested in learning more about, please feel free to reach out to us at info@plangenie.co.uk or by calling 01244 722906.

Our Services

F.A.Q's About What We Do!

Are There Any Hidden Charges?

In short, no. The price you see is the price you pay. Our service is supplied at a fixed fee upto 1000 SQ FT, then 12p per Sq Ft thereafter on top.

How Soon Will I Receive My Plans ?

Upon conclusion of the required site survey of your property, our aim is to complete the lease plans within 48-72 hours. Once finalised, we will send you the initial plans via email in PDF & Jpeg format for your review and approval. Upon your endorsement, we will proceed to print physical copy/ies, which will be promptly dispatched to you via post. This method ensures that you have the chance to assess and approve the digital versions before receiving the final printed plans. Larger properties, and sometimes depending on service type this timescale may not be feasible, but we consult with you first if the timeframe is any different.

Is Access To My Property Required?

Normally, we require access to your property for a detailed measured survey, unless you already have comprehensive and accurate plans that we can use. If detailed plans are not available, a visit to the property is imperative for a comprehensive measured survey to guarantee the precision and completeness of our work.

Printing My Plans & How Many Copies Will I Receive?

Ensuring the correct scale when printing a plan is crucial, and configuring your printer settings accurately is key to achieving this. Incorrect settings may lead to discrepancies in the plan's dimensions, causing potential issues. As part of our service, we offer the convenience of delivering a professionally printed copy of your plan. This copy is meticulously scaled, alleviating the need for you to handle the printing process. Choosing our service provides assurance that you will receive plans of professional quality, precisely to the required scale. We include 1 printed hard copy with your service, and any additional copies will incur an extra charge.

What Areas Do You Cover?

We have offices based in Chester & Flintshire, North Wales. We also service the following areas:

Greater Manchester
Lancashire
Cheshire
Wirral
Merseyside
Cumbria
Derbyshire
North Wales
Scotland
The North East
West Yorkshire
The Midlands.

*For Areas 40 miles outside CH1 there is a small millage charge (P.O.A).

HM Land Registry Compliance

F.A.Q's About Our Lease Plans!

When You Need a Lease Plan?

The lease plan is a scaled drawing that specifies the area of a leasehold demise within a property. In simpler terms, it precisely depicts the land covered by the lease. Obtaining a lease plan is often necessary for various reasons, with the most common ones being:

A lease of seven years or more is being granted

Land forming part of a registered title or that has been previously unregistered is being sold

A section of land being split into two or more parts and sold

Why Do I Need Another Lease Plan If I Already Have One?

Older lease plans may likely not adhere to the updated Land Registry regulations outlined in the Land Registration Act 2007. If your building predates 2007, it is advisable to consider obtaining a current and compliant lease plan.

I Don't Have A Compliant Plan - What Will Happen?

These plans are crucial because they can save significant time and money. Our lease plans begin at £99.00 for smaller properties, with costs scaling based on property size. It's essential to get the lease plan right initially, as submitting a non-compliant plan to the Land Registry may lead to application rejection. If this occurs, resubmitting with a replacement plan involves additional time and potential expenses.

Can I Use Plans From My Estate Agent Or Marketing?

Estate agents and/or marketing plans serve 'solely' for marketing purposes and are typically not drawn to scale, lacking accuracy. These plans lack the features necessary to comply with Land Registry standards.

Are The Lease Plans Compliant For The Land Registry?

Our meticulously drafted lease plans ensure strict Land Registry compliance, featuring an exact scale for accuracy. In addition to the main plan, we provide a scaled site plan for a comprehensive property overview. Key features include an accurate north point for orientation, crucial for legal and architectural purposes, and clear demarcation of leased boundaries for legal precision. Our detailed approach exceeds Land Registry standards, delivering a reliable and legally compliant document.

Is There A HM Land Registry Requirement Guide?

Certainly, a comprehensive guide detailing the Land Registry requirements for lease plans is accessible. This official guide, available on the UK Government's website, offers detailed instructions and criteria for preparing plans that meet Land Registry standards. Key highlights from this guide encompass:

Identification on Ordnance Survey Map: Plans must clearly identify the land on the Ordnance Survey map and comply with specific guidelines provided in the guide. Non-compliance may not always prevent an application from proceeding, but if the land can’t be clearly identified, the application might be rejected.
Importance of Quality Plans: High-quality plans are essential for giving buyers a clear understanding of their purchase, providing a basis for resolving future issues, ensuring efficient processing of applications, and reducing the number of rejected applications by the HM Land Registry.
Guidelines for Specific Applications: While the guidelines for plans are fundamentally the same across different types of applications, there are variations depending on the specific situation. The guide offers advice for preparing plans for various application types.
First Registrations: For first-time registrations of land, detailed plans are usually required, although a verbal description might suffice in some cases with well-defined features. Uncertainty about the land’s extent necessitates a plan.

Transfers/Leases of Part of a Registered Estate: For transfers or leases of part of a registered estate, a plan showing the land being transferred or leased is required. Any plan used must be based on the currently approved version of the estate plan, and mere verbal descriptions are not sufficient.

You can access this guide and more detailed information on the GOV.UK website.

Premises Licence Application Guidance

F.A.Q's About Premises Licence

What Does A Premises Licence Cover?

A premises licence is required when you carry out one or more of the following three licensable activities:

The sale of alcohol
The provision of regulated entertainment
The provision of late-night refreshments
As well as permitting the sale of alcohol and hot food and drink late at night, a premises licence gives permission for regulated entertainment, including:
Boxing or wrestling entertainment
Dance performances
Film showings
Music (live and recorded)
Play performances
Indoor sports events

A premises licence, or a club premises certificate, is a permanent licence granted under the 2003 Licensing Act for a specific location.

Do I Need To Notify Anyone?

Responsible authorities must be provided with a copy of your premises license application along with your Plans For The Premises.

To ensure visibility to the public, your application must be advertised in the local newspaper and a notice must be prominently displayed on the premises for 28 days. The notice should be easily visible from outside the premises to passersby.

It's crucial to publicise your premises license application correctly; any errors could result in the council invalidating your application, necessitating a reapplication and paying the fees again.

As an extra part of our service to providing your plans, we can ensure that your correct notices are supplied and the application is advertised in compliance with legal requirements. You only need to cover the cost of the newspaper advertisement; we handle all other aspects.

What Information Do I Need To Apply For A Premises Licence?

The premises license application form entails sections requiring thorough research and consideration, and as an extra service, we can offer comprehensive assistance throughout the application process.

You are required to provide:

A detailed description of the premises, including its type (e.g., village hall) and Plans For The Premises.
An explanation of the type of event, specifying whether it involves live music, karaoke, orchestra, etc.
Clarification on where alcohol purchased on the premises will be consumed, even if not on-site.
Specifics regarding the location of the event within the premises, whether indoors, outdoors, in a building, garden, marquee, etc.
Identification of any potential child safeguarding concerns related to entertainment, irrespective of whether children will attend the event, especially for age-restricted films or explicit entertainment.
Declaration of the event's operational hours, particularly if they differ from the venue's standard opening times.
Estimated attendance figures.
A detailed explanation of how each of the four licensing objectives will be met (refer to 'What is the
purpose of a premises license?' above).
Submission of scanned copies of documents verifying your right to work in the UK, such as your passport or Biometric Residence Permit.

Additionally, your local licensing authority may require supplementary information. Further details can typically be found on their website.

Do You Need A Premises Licence To Sell Alcohol On Facebook, Amazon Or Other Web & Social Media Sites?

The location from which alcohol is distributed must possess a premises license. This requirement applies even if you sell alcohol on Amazon or any other online platform from your residence. Furthermore, Amazon mandates that you hold a premises license, regardless of whether the order fulfilment is handled by Amazon and the alcohol does not physically pass through your property.

Who Is Required To Submit A Premises License Application?

Individuals engaging in licensable activities must submit a premises license application, unless eligible for an exemption.

Why Do You Need A Premises Licence?

The objective of a premises license is to ensure event organisers comprehend their obligations towards the public. During the premises license application process, it is essential to provide evidence demonstrating adherence to the licensing objectives outlined in the Licensing Act 2003, which include:

Preventing crime and disorder
Safeguarding public safety
Preventing public nuisance
Protecting children from harm.