NEWS

Knights are proud to have been recognised as a leading firm in the South East by the Legal 500 in the practice areas of Agriculture and Estates and Public Sector.

The Legal 500 is one of the leading sources of information on UK law firms and solicitors that have been recognised as leaders in their fields. A guide is produced each year through a comprehensive research programme involving discussions with clients and members of the firms which the guide seeks to assess. The result of the Legal 500’s research is a comprehensive assessment of the strengths of law firms and solicitors, which are then ranked by their fields of practice.

We retain our tier two ranking in respect of Agriculture and Estates, with Matthew Knight being singled out again as a leading individual in this practice area and an acknowledged “expert litigator in a wide range of matters”. The firm itself is noted for “…its litigation work on a broad spectrum of contentious matters regarding agriculture and estates, including environmental, real estate and rural sport issues.”

For the first time Knights has also been ranked as a leading firm in the area of Public Sector, obtaining a tier four ranking. In respect of the Public Sector work the firm undertakes, the Legal 500 notes that the firm “…has an 'excellent' local government offering and leverages its public law team to handle an assortment of matters for local authorities and political lobby groups”.

The client testimonials included in the Legal 500’s write up single out Simon Bell for particular mention for his skill and expertise in this area of law.

The firm remains committed to ensuring that it provides an excellent service to our clients, no matter what the issue is that they bring to us and it is an honour for us to have been recognised by the Legal 500 in this way.

Everyone here at Knights wishes all of those due to receive their exam results this year the very best of luck and truly hope you receive the result you were either expecting or feel you deserve. However, did you listen to the Today programme on BBC Radio 4 this morning to hear Sir Jon Coles and Nick Gibb MP discussing the process for awarding and appealing exam grades this year? Given the announcement yesterday (less than 24 hours before this year's A-Level results are due) about the role the results of mock exams (if a pupil sat them this year) are to now play in the appeals process? Formal guidance is expected later today from OFQUAL, but do you understand what your options are for either appealing your grade or appealing on behalf of your pupils if you are a school or academy?

If you need advice and assistance on these issues, we are here and able to help. Simply email your query to knights@knights-solicitors.co.uk or call us on 01892 537311

What with the Stamp Duty freeze on house purchases of £500,000 and under, the move towards home working and the benefits (health and social) of living in the countryside – now may well be the perfect time to consider a move from the towns and cities to a more rural idyll. Often in film, the English countryside is

portrayed in a somewhat twee and unsophisticated light, however, what shines through in these portrayals is the beauty of the country and the range of properties that are available – particularly period properties. Many people can be put off by period properties (particularly listed ones) owing to a lack of understanding as to what you can, and cannot, do with such a property.

Just because a property is of a particular period does not mean that any special provisions apply to it in respect of planning and development rules and regulations.  Buildings with listed statuses or those in conservation areas will come with restrictions on what an owner can and cannot do in respect of investing in, refurbishing and developing such properties. However, this does not mean that if you buy a listed building you will automatically be refused permission to refurbish or enlarge it – simply that you need to be alive to the fact that securing the development opportunity you are looking for may not be as straightforward as with other properties.

According to the CPRE, Kent has more than 18,400 listed buildings – more than any other county – and several thousand unlisted, but valuable, historic buildings and structures. What this means is, if you are looking for a period property in a rural setting – look no further than Kent. You’re bound to be able to find a property that suits your needs and desires and within the stamp duty free limit.

Should you be looking at undertaking renovation work to such a property and are unsure as to what you can, or cannot do, then our planning team here at Knights can help you consider the options open to you and advise you as to the lawfulness of your proposed development and the steps you will need to take to secure the consents you require for such a project.

Should you consider that you want to proceed with your purchase – we can undertake the conveyancing work for you – with a particular eye for the quirks that sometimes arise with a purchase of a period and/or listed property. All for a competitive price.

If you are interested in finding out more about our conveyancing and planning services, please call 01832 537311 and ask for our Head of Planning - Simon Bell or our Head of Conveyancing - Peter Colman.  Or email us at knights@knights-solicitors.co.uk 

Simon Bell has been instructed to act on behalf of the Boston Borough Council Opposition in respect of the decision to enter into a "Strategic Alliance" with East Lindsey Council.  The "Strategic Alliance" is an agreement pursuant to s.113(1) of the Local Government Act 1972 and introduces a shared management structure between the two Councils, which is intended to facilitate a Strategic Partnership between them in the future.  

Details of the matter, as reported locally, can be found here:  https://www.bostonstandard.co.uk/news/politics/cou...

Simon Bell has been interviewed about the importance of having a written livery agreement in place when either offering a livery service or making use of a livery provider for this week's edition of Horse and Hound. The interview follows Simon and Jonathan Manser's successful action in the County Court whereby the Court ordered the return of 10 (formerly11) horses to a Knights' client.  The case raised (and raises) interesting issues about how, when and if private individuals can detain horses on their land and the purposes of the legislation in place that enable (in specific circumstances) detention to occur.  In our most recent case the Court and (eventually the) Defendant accepted that the Defendant had no right in  law to detain the horses on welfare grounds and the Defendant relinquished a claim of ownership that had been maintained on the basis that the "abandonment procedure" under Animals Act 1971 (as amended by the Control of Horses Act 2015). The remainder of the case now surrounds the Defendant's assertion that a verbal livery agreement was in place between her and our client.

Livery agreements are contracts whereby each party sets out and understands what the service consists of that is being offered and accepted and provide protection for the horses and the parties entering into the agreement. Often issues surrounding responsibilities towards the welfare of horses taken in by livery providers arise which can become confusing if not fully understood and set out under an agreement. Further, there are regulatory requirements that livery providers need to be aware of and comply with - including the need for planning permission to act as a livery provider.

If you use a livery service, if you provide a livery service or if you are thinking about providing a livery service and are unsure about the status of, need for or your rights under an agreement, whether you have the correct planning permission for your livery service or if you are unclear as to the welfare responsibilities involved in the provision (and use) of a livery service then why not call us for some advice?  It could save you a lot of time, money and heartache in the long term.  Contact us on 01892 537311 or at knights@knights-solicitors.co.uk

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As of today (13th May 2020) the Government has lifted the restrictions on the "physical" processes involved in renting, buying and selling residential property, with a view to help kick start the housing market. Under the amended Health Protection (Cornonavirus, Restrictions) (England) Regulations 2020 the public are now able to visit:

• Estate or Letting Agents, Developer Sales Offices or Show Homes; 
• Residential properties for the purpose of viewing them to buy or rent;
• A residential property to prepare it for moving in;
• A residential property to undertake activities required for the rental and sale of that property; and
• To actually move into the property.

Throughout the current lockdown period our Conveyancing Department has been working to progress as far as possible any sales and purchases that we have been able to assist with. We remain open and are able to continue to assist with any new purchases and sales that may now arise due to the lifting of the restrictions. Why not call us for a competitive quote for your conveyance on 01892 537311 or contact us at knights@knights-solicitors.co.uk? We undertake instructions from buyers and sellers nationwide.

We are pleased to announce a collaborative, free of charge legal helpdesk to give you a 30 minute advice session on any planning issues or concerns. For further details, please see the flier or contact us directly. 

In these uncertain days, we want to reassure our clients that we are still open and there for them. Should you need any advice or assistance, including advice on what the measures being announced by the Government may mean for you, do not hesitate to contact us – we can undertake consultations by telephone and minimise direct contact by making full use of the technology available to us whilst still offering a full and professional service.

Knights have been instructed to act in the petition brought by Mr. Kevin Painter to challenge the decision of the Returning Officer in the May 2019 Cotswold District Council election to allow the counting of a doubtful ballot in the favour of the Conservative candidate, Stephen Hirst, in the Tetbury Town Ward.  The Returning Officer's adjudication on the doubtful ballot had the effect of breaking a tie between Mr. Painter and Mr. Hirst. Simon Bell (Partner and Counsel) is acting for Mr. Painter in proceedings before the High Court, due to be heard later in the summer.

Knights are proud to be one of the sponsors of this year’s Heathfield Agricultural Show (https://heathfieldshow.org/) which takes place this year on 25th May 2019. The show is a fun opportunity to get a snap shot of the diversity of the landscape, crafts, food stuff and expertise that has been passed down the generations of families living and working in the High Weald. We’ll be attending on the day, so come over and say hello.

Jonathan Manser and Matthew Knight have been instructed to act on behalf of a local restaurant in an investigation as to whether or not their energy meter has been providing accurate readings to their energy supplier. Matthew Knight was interviewed by the BBC South East about this matter https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-kent-4758642... for both their news website and the evening news broadcast on BBC on Monday 18th March 2019.

If you think you may be experiencing similar issues with your energy supplier, please don’t hesitate to contact Jonathan Manser for advice and assistance

Knights are instructed to act for iSmile Dental Practice in the Inquiry into the Tunbridge Wells Borough Council (Calverley Square) Compulsory Purchase Order 2018 (the “CPO”) which is currently ongoing at the Mercure Hotel, 8 Tonbridge Road, Pembury, Kent, TN2 4QL. The Inquiry is anticipated to run until Friday 1st March 2019 and the Planning Inspector is currently hearing evidence from the Council and objectors to the CPO. 

As a result of the Inquiry, the CPO will either be confirmed (with or without modifications) or rejected by the Planning Inspector. If the CPO is confirmed, then substantive construction work on the Council’s scheme to develop a new civic centre, public square and theatre at the western entrance of Calverley Grounds will follow. This development includes the demolition of the Great Hall car park and the Lodge, in which iSmile Dental Practice is currently based.

On the basis the CPO is confirmed, work is currently scheduled to start in October 2019 and is predicted by the Council to end in January 2022. Councillors current forecasts are that the scheme will cost a total of £90 million and have described it to the Planning Inspector as “…the most significant scheme from a financial perspective to be undertaken by the Council since £100million development of Royal Victoria Place Shopping Centre in the 1980’s and will have a lasting impact on the Council’s finances”

Given the considerable scope for disruption the construction has for local businesses and residents in the area and the costs associated with it, the scheme is being hotly resisted by a number of objectors who are affected. The Planning Inspector’s decision on this CPO could undoubtedly have a lasting impact on the face of Royal Tunbridge Wells, it’s businesses and residents. iSmile Dental Practice faces the prospect of closure should it not be able to relocate to alternative premises, leaving Tunbridge Wells with one less dentist for the local community as well as the closure of another local small business.

Details of the Inquiry can be found here: http://persona-pi.com/ and is open for the public to attend between 10am-5pm. If you think you may be affected by this CPO or the wider development, please contact Simon Bell or Busola Oyenekan who are acting for iSmile Dental Practice.

Simon Bell, Partner at Knights Solicitors, has featured in the Times of Tunbridge Wells Newspaper regarding the CPO relating to the development of Calverly Square, Tunbridge Wells, in which Knights acts for a key Objector.

During the Christmas period Knights Solicitors will be closed on 25,26,27 and 28 December 2018. 

Knights will also be closed on 1 January 2019.

The 24/7 legal helpline will be available throughout for emergencies. 

Knights have featured in the Chambers Directory 2018 for Agriculture & Rural Affairs:

Knights are delighted to announce their rankings in The Legal 500 United Kingdom for 2017. Knights has been recommended in the following practice area:

We are delighted to announce our recent certification

Matthew Knight has been interviewed for the BBC South East

A long-standing client of Knights has featured in the Kent Life news for their charitable work done for the Manchester One Love concert. 

The team at Knights are proud to be listed as Kent’s best Niche Law Firm. We are delighted that our expertise and excellent client care have been recognised.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from all at Knights Solicitors.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from all at Knights Solicitors!

Monday 28 November 2016 sees the start of Good Divorce Week organised by the family law organisation Resolution

to raise awareness of its new Code of Practice which can be found here.

Matthew Knight, Senior Partner of Knights Solicitors, has given an interview to the BBC regarding the treatment of Ponies on Dartmoor.

Knights Solicitors are pleased to announce that they will be sponsoring the NFU Kent Annual General Meeting on Tuesday 7 December 2016 at 8am.

Knights Solicitors in Tunbridge Wells have secured membership to the Law Society’s Conveyancing Quality Scheme – the mark of excellence for the home buying process.

Knights Solicitors in Royal Tunbridge Wells has secured the National Law Society’s legal practice quality mark, Lexcel.

Residential Tenancies - News Article

TFA Discussion Group – Kent - 25 Feb 2016

“We are delighted to start 2016 with much good news to share.” 

  Vicky Gallier – Head of Family Department

Matthew Knight, Senior Partner at Knights Solicitors who specialises in gypsy and traveller issues, has warned that changes in the law are having a profound effect on the way local authorities manage residential sites under their control.