The plaintiffs appealed from an order striking out their claim for want of prosecution. The defendant’s property had been sold by the mortgagees, and the plaintiffs as assignees of their debt sought to recover the balance outstanding from the defendants. The defendant had been in default since 1984. The defendants said that the claim was … Continue reading Hopkinson and Others and Birmingham Mid-Shires Building Society v Tupper: CA 30 Jan 1997
The court considered the landlord’s covenant for repair of residential property. Held: The installation of a damp-course in property which did not previously have one was not a repair: ‘applying the facts of that case to the facts of this case, the tenant in this case took a house without a damp-proof course. What he … Continue reading Wainwright v Leeds City Council: CA 1984
(Hong kong) The court considered the need at common law to show mens rea. A Hong Kong Building Ordinance created offences of strict liability in pursuit of public safety which strict liability was calculated to promote. Held: Lord Scarman summarised the principles: ‘(1) there is a presumption of law that mens rea is required before … Continue reading Gammon v The Attorney-General of Hong Kong: PC 1984
The applicant was given notice on 3rd February 1983 terminating his employment on 28th February 1983. The question arose on appeal whether the date of the notice or the date when he left employment was the relevant date. Held: With a discriminatory dismissal, time does not run until the notice of dismissal has expired and … Continue reading Lupetti v Wrens Old House Ltd: EAT 1984
A building had been erected under permission for a ‘weekend and holiday chalet’. In response to an enforcement notice served in relation to an extension to it, the Appellant submitted that the extension was permitted development because the building was in truth a dwelling-house. Held: Whether it was or was not a dwelling-house was a … Continue reading Gravesham Borough Council v Secretary of State for the Environment: 1984
Citations: Unreported 1984 Cited by: Followed – Busby v Cooper; Busby v Abbey National plc; Busby v Lumby CA 2-Apr-1996 The claimant sought damages after having bought a house after receiving an allegedly negligent report on the concrete. She had asked to be allowed to add a third party (the local authority who had passed … Continue reading Davies v Reed Stock and Co Ltd: 1984
The registered freehold proprietor (S) of a property lived abroad, his mother having power of attorney. His sister and her husband, Mr and Mrs Hammond, had the register altered to show themselves as the freehold proprietors. The primary case was that they had forged the mother’s signature on the transfer. A building society mortgage was … Continue reading Argyle Building Society v Hammond: CA 1984
(Court of Appeal New Zealand) The wooden models made from preliminary drawings, which was used to produce a mould from which moulded discs known as Frisbees were made, fell ‘within the definition of sculptures and are thus properly the subject of copyright protection.’ Davison CJ refered to dictionary definitions of sculpture and said: ”In the … Continue reading Wham-O Manufacturing Co v Lincoln Industries Ltd: 1984
Judges: Sir John Donaldson MR Citations: [1984] QB 177 Citing: Discussed – Scott v Scott HL 5-May-1913 Presumption in Favour of Open ProceedingsThere had been an unauthorised dissemination by the petitioner to third parties of the official shorthand writer’s notes of a nullity suit which had been heard in camera. An application was made for … Continue reading Regina v Chief Registrar Friendly Societies, ex parte Newcross Building Society: 1984
The Court gave guidance setting out recommended practice regarding any application for interim injunctive relief in civil proceedings to restrain the publication of information (referred to as an interim non-disclosure order). In particular guidance was provided as to ‘the proper approach to the general principle of open justice in respect of such applications’. Applications which … Continue reading Practice Guidance (Interim Non-disclosure Orders): 1 Jul 2011
Austlii (High Court of Australia) Compulsory Acquisition – Land – Acquisition by Commonwealth – Power to acquire land for public purposes – Whether limited to acquisition of land needed or proposed to be used for public purposes – Earlier sale of other land to Commonwealth – Whether implied term of contract of sale that Commonwealth … Continue reading Clunies-Ross v Commonwealth: 25 Oct 1984
The uninsured first defendant deliberately drove a car at the plaintiff who was walking on the pavement, and thus caused serious injuries. The MIB accepted that the trial judge was bound by Hardy to declare that the Bureau was bound to indemnify the plaintiff in respect of his judgment against the first defendant. The Bureau … Continue reading Gardner v Moore: HL 1984
The premises were a part of a late Victorian purpose-built mansion block consisting of 27 flats, including seven basement flats. They formed part of a larger terrace of buildings of a similar character and provided high-class accommodation in a sought-after fashionable area of London. The provision of a damp-proof course was a repair under a … Continue reading Elmcroft Developments Ltd v Tankersley-Sawyer: CA 1984
Land was laid out in individual lots and sold off in a standard form requiring that no building should be erected other than one private dwelling house and that plans should be submitted for approval. The defendants purchased one lot and wished to erect an additional house in contravention of the restriction. The plaintiffs owned … Continue reading Roake and others v Chadha and another: QBD 1984
A ship charterer discovered that the bills of lading were incorrect, but delayed withdrawal from the charter for 13 days. They now sought leave to appeal the arbitration award against them. Held: Though he deprecated extending the use of the expression ‘purposive construction’ from the interpretation of statutes to the interpretation of private contracts, Lord … Continue reading Antaios Compania Naviera SA v Salen Rederierna AB (‘the Antaios’): HL 1984
Account taken of circumstances wihout ambiguity The respondent gave advice on home income plans. The individual claimants had assigned their initial claims to the scheme, but later sought also to have their mortgages in favour of the respondent set aside. Held: Investors having once assigned their causes of action to the ICS, could not later … Continue reading Investors Compensation Scheme Ltd v West Bromwich Building Society: HL 19 Jun 1997
The victim died on a farm when his dumper truck overturned burying him in its load. Held: The prosecutor needed to establish a prima facie case that the results required by the Act had not been achieved. He need only establish that a risk of injury arose out of the state of affairs at the … Continue reading Chargot Limited (T/A Contract Services) and Others, Regina v: HL 10 Dec 2008
A right of way, originally granted in connection with a five year tenancy of a part of a house, was converted by section 62 into a permanent right of way on the conveyance of the freehold.
Lord Justice Purchas disagreed with the judge who had . .
The purchaser bought a property spanning a small river. The lender’s valuer disclaimed any liabillity to the buyer, and a structural report was offered for an additional charge. The property was not sound.
Held: The valuation was negligent, . .
References: [1984] HCA 65, (1984) 155 CLR 193 Links: Austlii Coram: Gibbs CJ, Mason, Murphy, Wilson(1), Brennan, Deane and Dawson JJ Austlii (High Court of Australia) Compulsory Acquisition – Land – Acquisition by Commonwealth – Power to acquire land for public purposes – Whether limited to acquisition of land needed or proposed to be used … Continue reading Clunies-Ross v Commonwealth; 25 Oct 1984
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The complainant has requested information which was supplied to Cambridge City Council’s Legal Team and which concerns the property where the complainant lives. The information relates to attempts made by the Council to resolve matters in respect of compliance with Building Regulations and possible proceedings under Section 36(6) of the Building Act 1984. The Council … Continue reading Cambridge City Council (Local Government (City Council)): ICO 5 Oct 2017
This appeal concerns whether approved inspectors owe a duty under s. 1 of the Defective Premises Act 1972 in the performance of their statutory function under Part II of the Building Act 1984, which involves inspection and certification in order to ensure compliance with building regulations. Judges: Lewison, Floyd , Hamblen LJJ Citations: [2019] EWCA … Continue reading Herons Court, The Lessees and Management Company of v Heronslea Ltd and Others: CA 14 Aug 2019
Citations: [2002] EWCA Civ 1421 Links: Bailii Statutes: Building Act 1984 36 Jurisdiction: England and Wales Construction Updated: 01 September 2022; Ref: scu.217559
Judges: Mitting J Citations: [2008] EWHC 679 (Admin) Links: Bailii Statutes: Building Act 1984 79 Jurisdiction: England and Wales Crime Updated: 14 July 2022; Ref: scu.266884
Citations: [2003] EWHC 1289 (Admin) Links: Bailii Statutes: Building Act 1984 55(1) Jurisdiction: England and Wales Local Government, Construction Updated: 07 June 2022; Ref: scu.185328
Action was brought by the Council in respect of an alleged statutory nuisance caused by flooding. Under section 94 of the 1875 Act they could serve an abatement notice on the person by whose ‘act default or sufferance’ the nuisance had arisen. The authority argued that the nuisance had arisen by the ‘default’ of the … Continue reading Clayton v Sale Urban District Council: 1926
The authority had served notice under the Act requiring the plaintiff to convert a pail closet on his premises into a water closet and to connect it to a sewer. He failed to comply, and the authority carried out the work themselves, but did so by carrying out a larger project serving some other houses. … Continue reading Place v Rawtenstall Corporation: 1916
The tenant claimed that the landlord had failed in its obligations of repair undertaken in the lease. Held: Where the landlord was in default, a tenant may have a right to undertake the repairs itself, recovering the costs.Jenkins LJ cited propositions of law, including: ‘In the event of the landlord failing to do the requisite … Continue reading Granada Theatres Ltd v Freehold Investment (Leytonstone) Ltd: CA 23 Mar 1959
The householder sought compensation under the Act, for the disturbance in the laying of a drain in the highway abutting the claimant’s house and furniture shop. Because of the constraints of the work site, excavated soil had been thrown up against the house and shop, with the result that access to the property (particularly for … Continue reading Lingke v Christchurch Corporation: CA 1912
Access to the plaintiff’s motor repair business was interfered with by work to reconstruct a sewer. Whilst access was still possible it required a long detour and there was no physical interference with the entrance to the premises. Held: If a private individual had interfered with access as the statutory authority had done then there … Continue reading Leonidis v Thames Water Authority: 1979
A watercourse became silted by natural causes and the local authority served an abatement notice on the landowner, who failed to respond, and when prosecuted relied on a proviso which excluded from liability ‘any person other than the person by whose act or default the nuisance arises or continues.’ Held: Absent any relevant legal duty … Continue reading Neath Rural District Council v Williams: QBD 1951
The Council had required the appellant to execute repairs to private sewers serving his properties. When he failed to do them, they did the work, and he now appealed against the costs incurred and charged to him. Judges: Henry LJ, Holman j Citations: [1999] EWCA Civ 1517, [1999] 1 WLR 1971 Links: Bailii Statutes: Building … Continue reading Agodzo v Bristol City Council: CA 27 May 1999
A County Court can hear a claim for repayment of excess charges made by a local authority for sewer maintenance. Although the claim was in its nature based upon unjust enrichment, the statute under which the charges were made gave the County Court jurisdiction. Citations: Times 09-Jun-1999 Statutes: Building Act 1984 107(4) Jurisdiction: England and … Continue reading Agodzo v Bristol City Council: CA 9 Jun 1999
A solicitor acted on a purchase in 1993. He asked for but did not receive copies of building regulations consents from 1985. He went ahead anyway. Held: He had been negligent. He had been under a duty to continue the investigation, and to advise his clients that the replies relating to these consents appeared to … Continue reading Cottingham and Another v Attey Bower and Jones (A Firm): ChD 19 Apr 2000
The council appealed against the decision that it is liable to pay compensation under section 106 of the Building Act 1984, for loss to a business on Hastings Pier arising from its closure during 2006 under the council’s emergency powers. The Council said that the company had been in default under section 106. Held: There … Continue reading Hastings Borough Council v Manolete Partners Plc: SC 27 Jul 2016
Meat had been seized under section 116 of the 1875 Act as unfit for human consumption. Although the butcher was acquitted of any offence under section 117 of that Act, on the grounds that he was unaware that it was unfit for consumption, it was found that he was nonetheless ‘in default’ for the purpose … Continue reading Hobbs v Winchester Corporation: CA 18 Jun 1910
The claimants appealed from rejection of their claim to compensation under the 1984 Act as tenants of a pier closed by the Authority. The Authority said that it had failed to comply with its leasehold obligations of repair, and was in default under that Act. Held: Default was limited to default under the 1984 Act. … Continue reading Manolete Partners Plc v Hastings Borough Council: CA 7 May 2014
Application for compensation under s.106 of the Building Act 1984 for compensation as a result of the Council exercising its powers to prevent access to Hastings Pier under s.78 of the 1984 Act. Held: The court rejected the defence, holding that the reference to ‘default’ should be read as default in respect of obligations imposed … Continue reading Manolete Partners Plc v Hastings Borough Council: TCC 12 Apr 2013
Ramsey J [2012] EWHC 231 (TCC) Bailii Building Act 1984 78 England and Wales Local Government Updated: 01 December 2021; Ref: scu.522530
The land-owner had planning permission to erect a barn, conditional on its use for agricultural purposes. He built inside it a house and lived there from 2002. In 2006. He then applied for a certificate of lawful use. The inspector allowed it, and the Council appealed. The Council now also argued that parliament could not … Continue reading Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government and Another v Welwyn Hatfield Borough Council: SC 6 Apr 2011
The claimant challenged the order allowing the demolition of a disused listed building saying that the Direction was contrary to European law in not requiring an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA). The Secretary of State said an EIA was not required for a demolition. Held: The challenge was rejected. Whether an EIA was required for a … Continue reading Save Britain’s Heritage, Regina (on The Application of) v Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government and Others: Admn 14 May 2010
The deceased had owned a site of 2.5 acres on which were built a large farmhouse, and other outbuildings. Held: The court identified the identify the three separate dimensions to the definition of agricultural property under the Act. The phrase ‘agricultural land’ in section 115(2) did not include buildings, and so the site could not … Continue reading Starke and another (Executors of Brown decd) v Inland Revenue Commissioners: CA 23 May 1995
The claimants sought a declaration. Planning permission had been confirmed for four mineral extraction sites by letter in 1952. In 1996, two were listed as now being dormant. The claimant said the letter of 1952 created on single planning permision for the four sites, and that it was wrong to inlcude two properties separately. Held: … Continue reading Stancliffe Stone Company Ltd v Peak District National Park Authority: QBD 22 Jun 2004
The court considered the proper construction of rent review clauses in several cases. The underlying result which the landlords sought in each case was the same. Held: It was a most improbable commercial result. Where the result, though improbable, flowed from the unambiguous language of the clause, the landlords succeeded, whereas where it did not, … Continue reading Co-operative Wholesale Society Ltd v National Westminster Bank plc: CA 1995
The defendants were tenants of the claimant. They vacated the premises and stopped paying the rent. The claimant sought payment of the arrears of rent. The defendants said that the claimants should have taken steps to reduce their damages by seeking another tenant. Held: The defendant’s appeal against a ruling that a landlord was under … Continue reading Reichman and Another v Beveridge: CA 13 Dec 2006
The claimant sought an order requiring delivery of possession of land occupied by the respondent objectors. They needed to remove trees from the land in order to construct a runway on their own adjacent land. The claimant had been granted a licence to enter on the land to remove the trees. The respondents said the … Continue reading Manchester Airport Plc v Dutton and others: CA 23 Feb 1999
A tenancy of land used for training horses was a business tenancy within the 1954 Act. The word ‘premises’ is not defined in the Act. Its legal meaning is the subject matter of the habendum in a lease, and it would cover any sort of property of which a lease is granted. ‘… but no … Continue reading Bracey v Read: 1963
The Court was asked whether the Crown is bound by the prohibition of smoking in most enclosed public places and workplaces, contained in Chapter 1 of Part 1 of the Health Act 2006. Held: However reluctantly, the claimant’s appeal was dismissed. Parliament must be assumed to have intended that the Crown be not bound by … Continue reading Black, Regina (on The Application of) v Secretary of State for Justice: SC 19 Dec 2017
‘When a local planning authority against the advice of its own professional advisers grants permission for a controversial development, what legal duty, if any, does it have to state the reasons for its decision, and in how much detail? Is such a duty to be found in statutory sources, European or domestic, or in the … Continue reading Dover District Council v CPRE Kent: SC 6 Dec 2017
The appellants challenged the adequacy of the reasons given by the respondents in approving planning policies, in particular the structure plan, adopted by Fife Council for the future development of St Andrews. An independent expert’s report had been obtained and incorporated in the plan. She had objected that St Andrews had reached te limit of … Continue reading Uprichard v Scottish Ministers and Another (Scotland): SC 24 Apr 2013
(Bombay) The Board considered whether the Crown was bound by section 222(1) and section 265 of the City of Bombay Municipal Act 1888, which in effect gave the Municipality power to carry water mains for the purposes of water supply through, across or under any street and ‘into, through or under any land whatsoever within … Continue reading The Province of Bombay v The Municipal Corporation of The City of Bombay and Another: PC 10 Oct 1946
Mrs Porter was a Romany gipsy who bought land in the Green Belt in 1985 and lived there with her husband in breach of planning control. The inspector gave her personal permission to continue use, and it had been appealed and cross appealed on the basis that the inspector’s reasons were insufficient. Held: Wherever an … Continue reading South Buckinghamshire District Council and Another v Porter (No 2): HL 1 Jul 2004
The section at issue imposed a duty upon a tribunal to which the Act applies or any minister who makes a decision after the holding of a statutory inquiry to give reasons for their decision, if requested. A record of the reasons for a decision must meet the requirement that reasons must be adequate to … Continue reading Re Poyser and Mills’ Arbitration: 1963
Complaint was made that the occupier had taken up occupation of a vehicle, a Commer van, ‘adapted’ for human habitation, and therefore under the control of the 1960 Act, but on land for which there was no planning permission for use for caravans. Held: The defendant had merely placed bed and other furniture in an … Continue reading Backer v Secretary of State for the Environment: 1983
High Court – New Zealand. The glass roof of a verandah which deflected the sun’s rays so that a dazzling glare was thrown on to neighbouring buildings was held, prima facie, to create a nuisance. Hardie Boys J said: ‘To the extent that this is an appeal to set the public interest ahead of the … Continue reading Bank of New Zealand v Greenwood: 14 Dec 1983
The plaintiff lived in Lincolnshire, but owned a house in Gwynnedd. She sought to serve a notice in her local County Court, appealing from an order for its demolition, but the manager of that Court refused to accept it saying that it should have been filed in Gwynnedd. The regulations said it was to be … Continue reading Gwynedd County Council v Grunshaw: CA 22 Jul 1999
The court asked whether an option to purchase a development site had been determined by failure of a condition, described as a condition precedent; and so was no longer exercisable by the defendant, as grantee. Held: The agreement required the optioner to have paid the fees required for the appropriate planning application on time. The … Continue reading E Alton and Company Limited v Orchard (Development) Holdings Limited: CA 27 Jan 1998
Two properties had been in common ownership, but then divided. A fire escape on one property was to be available to the other. The servient tenement removed the fire escape. The owner of the dominent tenement (a hotel) sought relief. Held: The appeal was allowed. The agreement allowed for this variation. It may have been … Continue reading Megaro v Di Popolo Hotels Ltd: CA 13 Mar 2007
The claimant sought damages. The respondent had acted as an adoption agency but had failed to disclose all relevant information about the child. Held: Any such duty extended only during the period where the child was with the prospective adopters pending their decision on adoption. Hale LJ: ‘Whenever the question of a common law duty … Continue reading A and Another v Essex County Council: CA 17 Dec 2003
The claimant sought damages after the planning authority allowed the first defendant to conduct a manufacturing business in the course of which spraying activities took place which caused them personal injuries and loss of business. Held: The planning system is a regulatory system as envisaged in X (Minors), such that there should be no private … Continue reading Regina v Lam and Others (T/a ‘Namesakes of Torbay’) and Borough of Torbay: CA 30 Jul 1997
The defendant appealed against the extent of fine and costs awards made against him following conviction for effective demolition of a substantial victorian property within a conservation area without consent. The court had refused to believe his statements as to his assets and income, but had also refused a confiscation order. The defendant said that … Continue reading Rance v Regina: CACD 9 Oct 2012
The defendant authority appealed a finding that it was liable in negligence from the conduct of one of its environmental health officers. The plaintiff had set out to refurbish and open a restaurant. He said the officer gave him a list of things he must do. He had done them, but the licence was still … Continue reading Welton, Welton v North Cornwall District Council: CA 17 Jul 1996
The existence of a planning permission did not excuse the causing of a nuisance by the erection of a pighouse. The permission was not a statutory authority, and particularly so where it was possible it had been procured by the supply of inaccurate and incomplete information. The court considered the function of a gate: ‘The … Continue reading Wheeler and Another v JJ Saunders Ltd and Others: CA 19 Dec 1994
The defendants protested the growing of genetically modified crops. The prosecutor appealed dismissal of charges of aggravated trespass for them having entered a crop and attached themselves to tractors. The district judge decided they had genuine fears for the surrounding area, and had not acted unlawfully. Held: Where a defence of lawful justification is put … Continue reading Director of Public Prosecutions v Bayer, Hart, Snook, and Whistance: Admn 4 Nov 2003
The defendant appealed his conviction and sentence for infringements of the 1990 Act. The house was already very severly dilapidated when it came to be listed. He was accused of making changes outside the extent of the listed buildings consent he had obtained. Held: The offence was one of strict liability, and guilt did not … Continue reading Regina v Major Sandhu: CACD 10 Dec 1996
Restrictive Covenants – Discharge – 1.83 ha with outline planning permission for residential development – 1984 planning agreement under Town and Country Planning Act 1971 preventing erection of buildings – Tribunal’s jurisdiction to discharge or modify – modification ordered limited to planning permission – section 84(1)(aa) Law of Property Act 1925 Citations: [2019] UKUT 335 … Continue reading Payne v Maldon District Council: UTLC 5 Nov 2019
The court considered the construction of a restrictive covenant after the disappearance of the covenantee. The covenant required no additional building without the consent of the covenantee, such consent not to be unreasonably withheld. The term ‘vendor’ had been defined without including her successors in title. Held: The court considered the construction of the clause … Continue reading Margerison v Bates and Another: ChD 30 May 2008
The court considered how the losses of the insolvent company were to be distributed as between secured creditors and preferential creditors, given the terms of the applicable trust deed. Held: The court considered the interpretations of the deed, looking at the ‘landscape of the instrument as a whole’ and interpretations given. The Court emphasised the … Continue reading Sigma Finance Corporation, Re; (in administrative receivership): SC 29 Oct 2009
The applicant cleaner sought compensation for unfair dismissal. The issue was whether she was an employee of the respondents, of their client where she did her work, or was not an employee at all. She worked for an agency, who sent her out to offices to work. The court was called upon to give guidance … Continue reading Brook Street Bureau (UK) Ltd v Dacas: CA 5 Mar 2004
The claimant sought damages for defamation. The defendant through their company had accused him acting in such a way as to allow a conflict of interest to arise. They said that he had been invited to act on a proposed purchase but had used the information to put in a higher offer himself. The claimant … Continue reading Ratiu, Karmel, Regent House Properties Ltd v Conway: CA 22 Nov 2005
The parties disputed the meaning of an patent and know how licence. The parties disputed whether the agreement referred to IP rights before formal patents had been granted despite the terms of the agreement. Held: ‘The secret of drafting legal documents was best described by Nicolas Boileau, who was not only a literary critic but … Continue reading Oxonica Energy Ltd v Neuftec Ltd: PatC 5 Sep 2008
In 1952, the Minister wrote a leter confirming the planning permissions for four quarries now owned by the claimants. In 1996, two of the quarries were separately included in a list of dormant sites, and in 19999 the applicant began to apply for renewed planning permission for the two sites. In 2005, the applicants began … Continue reading Stancliffe Stone Company Ltd v Peak District National Park Authority: CA 17 Jun 2005
The defendant sought leave to appeal against summary judgment on several elements of a claim under a football player financing agreement, arguing that the claims were made under a penalty provision, and otherwise. It was also said that the agreements amounted to an enslavement of the player. Held: Leave was refused. Whilst the literal meaning … Continue reading Rio Football Services Hungary Kft v Sevilla Futbal Club Sad: QBD 6 Oct 2010
In a prosecution for an offence of indecent assault on a girl under 16 under the section, it was necessary for the prosecution to prove the absence of a positive belief in the defendant’s mind that the victim was 16 or over. The legislation history showed an anomalous bringing together of different, and conflicting strands … Continue reading Regina v K: HL 25 Jul 2001
The dispute followed the grounding of a tanker the Ocean Victory. The ship was working outside of a safe port requirement in the charterparty agreement. The contract required the purchase of insurance against maritime war and protection and indemnity risks. The grounding occurred during a combination of severe weather events. Each of the two elements … Continue reading Gard Marine and Energy Ltd and Another v China National Chartering Company Ltd and Another: SC 10 May 2017
Prerogative act of prorogation was justiciable. The Prime Minister had prorogued Parliament for a period of five weeks, leaving only a short time for Parliament to debate and act the forthcoming termination of the membership by the UK of the EU. The Scottish Court had decided (Cherry) that the prorogation was void being for impermissible … Continue reading Miller, Regina (on the Application of) v The Prime Minister; Cherry QC v Lord Advocate: SC 24 Sep 2019
The applicant challenged the terms of a non-derogating control order. It was anticipated that unless prevented, he would fight against UK forces in Iraq. Held: The section allowed the Secretary of State to impose any necessary conditions, but subject to a system of supervision by the courts. The parties now disputed whether the Act gave … Continue reading MB, Re, Secretary of State for the Home Department v MB: Admn 12 Apr 2006
A finding of double insurance requires the same insured to be covered in respect of the same property against the same risks. Lloyd J held that: ‘a head contractor ought to be able to insure the entire contract works in his own name and the name of all his sub-contractors, just like a bailee or … Continue reading Petrofina (UK) Ltd v Magnaload Ltd: 1983
Forcelux and Mr Binnie were the landlord and tenant of a flat in Lincoln. Under the lease, the tenant was obliged to pay ground rent and other charges. The lease contained a forfeiture provision in the event of non-payment of rent or charges. Mr Binnie fell into arrears and Forcelux obtained a default judgment against … Continue reading Forcelux Ltd v Binnie: CA 21 Oct 2009
The court discussed what was meant by the curtilage of the appellant’s house: ‘Thus the sole issue is whether Mr Dyer’s house is or is not within the curtilage of another building or, by the application of section 6 of the Interpretation Act 1978, of more than one other building. This is a question of … Continue reading Dyer v Dorset County Council: CA 1988
The claimant appealed against dismissal of her petition for an order for the defendants to purchase her shares at a fair value, saying that they had acted unfairly toward her. Her co-directors had acquired, for another company of which they were sole directors, a property which might have been bought by the company. Held: The … Continue reading O’Donnell v Shanahan and Another: CA 22 Jul 2009
The claimant had instructed the defendant solicitors to act for him, where he was to contract with another client of the same solicitor in a land development. The solicitor failed to disclose that the other client had convictions for dishonesty, and also that the solicitor had himself leant the deposit in the transaction to his … Continue reading Hilton v Barker Booth and Eastwood: HL 3 Feb 2005
The complainant has requested various information in respect of compliance with Part 91A of the Buildings Regulation Act 1984. The Council refused the request on the basis of regulation 13 of the EIR on the same basis it had refused a related request. However, subsequent to the First-tier Tribunal’s ruling on the related request [EA/2018/0158] … Continue reading Carmarthenshire County Council (Local Government): ICO 28 Sep 2020
Proposed changes to the Legal Aid regulations were challenged as being invalid, for being discriminatory. If regulations are not authorised under statute, they will be invalid, even if they have been approved by resolutions of both Houses under the provisions of the relevant enabling Act. Held: The appeal succeeded as to the ultra vires issue.Lord … Continue reading The Public Law Project, Regina (on The Application of) v Lord Chancellor: SC 13 Jul 2016
Presumption in Favour of Open Proceedings There had been an unauthorised dissemination by the petitioner to third parties of the official shorthand writer’s notes of a nullity suit which had been heard in camera. An application was made for a committal for contempt. Held: The House equated the contempt to a breach of an injunction … Continue reading Scott v Scott: HL 5 May 1913
The claimants had been detained under the 1971 Act, after completing sentences of imprisonment pending their return to their home countries under deportations recommended by the judges at trial, or chosen by the respondent. They challenged as unlawful the respondent’s, at first unpublished, policy introduced in 2006, that by default, those awaiting deportation should be … Continue reading Lumba (WL) v Secretary of State for The Home Department: SC 23 Mar 2011
The council had taken land by compulsory purchase in order to construct a dual carriageway. It then claimed that it had left undedicated a strip .5 metre wide as a ransom strip to prevent the defendant restoring access to the road. Held: The result of the council’s decisions was to leave a ransom strip. Whilst … Continue reading London Borough of Bexley v Maison Maurice Ltd: ChD 15 Dec 2006
The claimant applied for a review of a decision by the respondent council not to sell it land. Held: The challenge failed. The councillors had acted in accordance with advice given to them by officers, and ‘the committee was concerned only to consider what was in the interest of the Council. And in reaching its … Continue reading Island Farm Development Ltd, Regina (on the Application of) v Bridgend County Borough Council: Admn 25 Aug 2006
SCIT INHERITANCE TAX – agricultural property relief – freehold house which was owned and occupied by the deceased – agreed that it was a farmhouse – whether it was of a character appropriate to the property – yes – IHTA 1984 s 115(2).Miss Antrobus had lived in a substantial freehold house, surrounded by about 126 … Continue reading Lloyds TSB Bank Plc (Antrobus Deceased) v Inland Revenue (No 1): SCIT 17 Oct 2002
The parties to the action had given cross undertakings to support the grant of an interim injunction. A third party subsequently applied to be joined, and now sought to take advantage of the cross undertakings to claim the losses incurred through the giving of the ‘wrongful undertakings’ Held: The joined party, who had not itself … Continue reading Smithkline Beecham Plc Glaxosmithkline UK Ltd and Another v Apotex Europe Ltd and others (No 2): CA 23 May 2006
Parties had entered into a shareholders’ agreement as to voting arrengemets within a company. Thay disputed whether votes had been used in reach of that agreement, particularly as to the issue of new shares and their allotment, but the court now considered whether the claim was out of time. That issue depended upon whether a … Continue reading Halton International Inc (Holding) and Another v Guernroy Ltd: ChD 9 Sep 2005
The claimant had been found liable to pay damages for personal injury, and now sought contribution from the defendants. The defendants said that they were out of time since the contribution action had been commenced more than 2 years after the judgment. Held: The appeal succeeded. The judgment had been for damages to be assessed. … Continue reading Aer Lingus v Gildacroft Ltd and Another: CA 17 Jan 2006
The court considered the tenant’s covenant to repair in the context of a need for a damp course: ‘I have regard to the age, (over 150 years) and the design of the building. It has no damp-proof course . . I bear in mind the limited interest of the tenant and the poor condition of … Continue reading Eyre and others v McCracken: CA 10 Mar 2000
The parties had disputed payments for subcontracting work on a major project. The matter had been referred to arbitration, and the claimants now appealed refusal of leave to appeal the adjudicator’s award. Held: The dispute was complex and substantial. Nevertheless, the adjudicator ‘not only took the initiative in ascertaining the facts but also applied his … Continue reading Carillion Construction Ltd v Devonport Royal Dockyard Ltd: CA 16 Nov 2005
The claimant appealed against a refusal of judicial review of a decision of the Lands Tribunal. Held: A decision of the Lands Tribunal could only be judicially reviewed in exceptional cases where there was either a jurisdictional error or a procedural irregularity. The application had been correctly refused. ‘The question of whether certain work is … Continue reading Sinclair Gardens Investments (Kensington) Ltd, Regina (on the Application of) v The Lands Tribunal: CA 8 Nov 2005
LT TAX – Inheritance Tax – agricultural property relief – agricultural value – agricultural property – farmhouses – whether house occupied by ‘lifestyle’ farmer could be farmhouse – held bid of such person could not represent agricultural value – Inheritance Tax Act 1984 s 115(2) and (3)George Bartlett QC : ‘a farmhouse for the purposes … Continue reading Lloyds TSB Private Banking Plc (personal representative of Rosemary Antrobus deceased) v Inland Revenue (Capital Taxes); Re Cookhill Priory (No 2): LT 10 Oct 2005
A long hearing was to be interrupted by the long vacation. The Bank sought an order to restrict publication of the part evidence given by one witness until his evidence had been concluded. Held: Though the witness was only such and not a party, he had been centrally involved in the activities about which complaint … Continue reading Three Rivers District Council and others v The Bank of England: CA 14 Jul 2005
The appellant had been convicted of an offence under the section in that as a bankrupt, he ‘in the two years before the petition, materially contributed to, or increased the extent of, his insolvency by gambling or by rash and hazardous speculations’. The actus reus – the bankruptcy petition and the bankruptcy to which it … Continue reading Regina v Muhamad: CACD 19 Jul 2002
