Where possible, I try and get photographs of where my relatives used to live. It makes a good insight into how they lived - "Three adults and eight children all lived in that hovel?"
I cannot say that a request has ever been well received. In fact, the police have been called on two occasions. I now tend to take whatever pictures I want (from the public footpath, or roadway) and then go away.
As the law stands, provided it is not forbidden by the relevant Act of Parliament, everything that can be seen from the public highway can be photographed. If I can see it, I can photograph it. So I do.
And the police have no idea of the law, neither copyright nor trespass nor photography in public places.
Sorry if this is all negative, but my experiences have not been positive.
Regards
Chas
