WHN Solicitors expands Building Safety Act support with launch of dedicated team

Lancashire-based law firm Woodcocks Haworth and Nuttall (WHN) Solicitors has launched a dedicated team to provide expert legal support to those who own or want to buy properties affected by the Building Safety Act 2022.

The wide-ranging Act, which was introduced following the Grenfell Tower tragedy, is designed to improve safety standards in high-rise residential buildings, focusing primarily on structural and fire safety. 

It adds significant complications for those buying, selling or living in high-rise properties over 11m in height or five storeys. 

Mortgage lenders have strict, varied requirements for lending on affected properties. Incorrect or missing certificates can also cause delays, additional costs and failed transactions, making specialist legal support vital.

WHN’s new specialist team includes three legal experts based across its North West offices: Jennifer Prysiaznyj, director and head of residential conveyancing, based at the firm’s Blackburn office; Elizabeth Browning, Chartered Institute of Legal Executives (CILEX) conveyancer in Rawtenstall and Carl Dodd, conveyancer in Clitheroe.

Between them, the team have around 50 years’ experience in residential conveyancing, including advising a wide range of clients on the Building Safety Act since its introduction. As part of the formation of the new team, Jennifer, Elizabeth and Carl have also completed additional training on the Act.

Jennifer Prysiaznyj, director and head of residential conveyancing, WHN Solicitors said: “The Building Safety Act affects a huge variety of residential properties, from high-rise city centre apartments to heritage mills and other buildings now home to residential occupiers.

“WHN operates across the North West, which is home to a wide range of these types of residential developments. That means our team is uniquely positioned to provide in-depth support, supported by experience across these different property types.

“Since the Act was introduced, we have seen a sustained demand for this advice and the launch of the team is supported by a range of new support packages, meaning those who currently live in high-rise properties or are looking to purchase one have access to quality legal support from a dedicated team of locally-based experts.”

Those looking for support on issues related to the Building Safety Act can contact Jennifer Prysiaznyj at [email protected].

WHN Solicitors is an award-winning North West law firm, which advises businesses, individuals and families across the North on a full range of legal matters. The firm employs over 100 staff at offices in Accrington, Bacup, Blackburn, Bury, Clitheroe, Great Harwood, Haslington, Rawtenstall and Salford.