Frequently asked questions

A desk-based first look at one site. We check the HM Land Registry records, the planning policy and history, and the main constraints such as flood, heritage, ecology, access and ground conditions. You get a written verdict: proceed, investigate or pause, with the reasons and the next three actions.

Standard Tier 1 fees run from £750 to £1,500 depending on the site. The introductory pilot fee is £895 for the first three accepted instructions. We confirm the fee in writing before any work starts.

Our target is five working days from receiving complete site details and an agreed instruction. We confirm the timing in writing for each job.

No. The screen is a desk study using public records and the information you give us. If a visit or a specialist survey is needed, we say so in the report.

Greater Manchester and the North West. For a site elsewhere, ask us; we tell you before you pay if we cannot help.

No. Planning permission is decided by the local planning authority. Our verdict is our opinion on the evidence reviewed, as at the report date.

No. We do not advise on title, boundaries, covenants or contracts; ask a solicitor. We do not value land or test viability; ask a surveyor or valuer.

No, UPS is not a chartered planning practice. Each report lists the records it relies on and the date each was checked, so you can see the evidence for yourself.

For the pilot, 50% on instruction and 50% when the report is issued, under written order terms.

If we do not issue the report within ten working days of instruction, you get a full refund, unless the delay comes from missing information or a change of scope.

Yes. If you are a consumer who agrees a distance or off-premises order, a 14-day cancellation period will usually apply, subject to statutory exceptions. We provide the cancellation information and a model cancellation form before you agree. We only start within that period at your express request. If you then cancel, you may have to pay a proportionate amount for work already supplied. The right ends after full performance during that period only if you made the required request and acknowledged that consequence.

Only the client named in the order, for the purpose stated. If a lender, buyer or partner needs to rely on it, ask us first; we may agree that in writing.

Before accepting an instruction, we disclose in writing any UPS or related-party interest in the site, including an interest under negotiation. If a conflict cannot be appropriately managed, we decline the work.

We use them to reply to you and, if you go ahead, to deliver and invoice the work. We do not sell them or add you to marketing unless you tick the box asking for updates. See the privacy notice.

Only send what we need to assess the site, and make sure you are entitled to share it. Owner details shown on the public HM Land Registry register are something we can check ourselves.