Terms & Conditions
General Conditions
1.1 All engagements accepted by ABL Planning & Development Limited (ABL) are subject to the following terms of engagement except where changes are expressly agreed in writing.
1.2 We will observe the byelaws, regulations and ethical guidelines of the Royal Town Planning Institute and accept instructions to act for you on the basis that we will in accordance with those guidelines. Copies of the RTPIs Code of Professional Conduct are available from the RTPIs website www.rtpi.org.uk
1.3 All fees and charges submitted by other specialists sub-contracted by prior agreement with the client shall be the responsibility of and payable by the client.
1.4 Every care will be taken when carrying out client instructions. No responsibility is accepted for errors or matters beyond our reasonable control.
1.5 The Practice ABL Planning & Development Limited shall not sub-contract any part of the commission without first receiving approval in writing from the client with a clear understanding of responsibilities.
Client Monies
2.1 We may, from time to time, hold money on your behalf. Such money will be held in trust in a client bank account.
Fees
3.1 Our fees are calculated on the basis of the time spent on your affairs by the principals and staff, and on the level of skill and responsibility involved.
3.2 The following costs are normally added to fee accounts as disbursements;
photocopying and the printing of plans
photography
Ordnance Survey maps
publications (local plans/development plan documents)
telephone calls
postal and delivery charges
mileage and other travel expenses reasonably incurred.
3.3 Invoices will be submitted on a monthly basis or as otherwise agreed with you and must be paid in full within 21 days of the date of each invoice. We reserve the right to charge interest on any amounts owing at 1 % above ( Barclays Bank) base rate. We reserve the right to suspend work on projects where accounts are outstanding after 60 days other than by prior agreement.
3.4 If it is necessary to carry out additional work outside of the agreed brief then this work will involve additional fees. We will provide an estimate of such fees before commencing additional work.
3.5 In the case of a planning appeal, fees must be paid by the Client before the submission date of the appeal.
3.6 Any delay in receiving information, changes in Clients instruction or any matter outside our control which leads to additional work may result in an additional fee.
Limitation of liability
4.1 We will endeavor to provide professional services with reasonable care and skill. However we will not be held responsible for any losses arising from the supply by you or others of incorrect of incomplete information, or a failure of you or others to supply any appropriate information or your failure to act on our advice or respond promptly to communications from us or relevant authorities.
Law
This contract is subject to England and Wales law.
Complaints
Any concerns over the level of service received should be dealt with in the first instance by the Company Director.
A full set of terms and conditions will be issued with our fee proposals.