A Matter of Taste: Can personal preferences permit you to refuse to approve a neighbour's building plans?
A High Court case over an ultra-modern new-build house in Holland Park shines a light on a tricky matter of taste. "The case does firmly confirm that aesthetic concerns have their place in the consideration," writes Frankie Tierney, but "it is clear that just because you regard the proposed building plans of your neighbour to be in the worst possible taste, that by itself will not entitle you to refuse to approve the plans where such refusal has to be reasonable."

Commercial and complex litigation for both businesses and individuals. This includes contract disputes, property ownership disputes, Commercial Landlord & Tenant disputes, dilapidations claims, intellectual property disputes, Professional negligence claims, shareholder disputes and “unfair prejudice” claims in the Companies Court, Property Chamber (Lands Tribunal) claims and Land Registry adjudications with particular emphasis on restrictive covenant issues, Court of Protection disputes, Inheritance disputes.
Surrey planners approve a new ‘Para 80’ country house clause project
Manser Medal-winning architecture practice Eldridge has secured approval for a contemporary country mansion in the Surrey Hills, under the newly-updated Paragraph 80 of the NPPF (formerly Para 79).
By PrimeResi
Behind the Schemes: The grand revival of an historic Bloomsbury townhouse
How Quinn Architects returned a Grade II* listed building to its original grandeur after two centuries of alteration and poor repairs...
By PrimeResi
Behind The Schemes: The double-fronted suburban villa, reimagined
North London practice Cousins & Cousins talks us through the design of a brand new Arts and Crafts-inspired family home in Highgate
By PrimeResi
Companies in this article
Herrington CarmichaelMost read
£28mn Knightsbridge mansion sale sets 2025 benchmark
Recent mega-deal on Princes Gate 'reaffirms London’s appeal as a global property destination,' say agents.
The Times: Who’s buying London’s most expensive new flats?
Investigation lifts the lid on £600mn worth of apartment sales at some of PCL's most prestigious new-build schemes.
Savills expands super-prime lettings operation; recruits new North London chief
Isabella Birch Reynardson's specialist division is expanding into high-value regional rental markets, while Stevie Walmesley has moved from DDRE to lead the team in North London.
By PrimeResi
‘This isn’t just an expansion – it’s a transformation’: US mega-brokerage Douglas Elliman goes global
Major-league luxury real estate brand sets sights on Europe & beyond; high-profile alliance with UK-based Knight Frank 'mutually concluded' after 15 years.
Super-prime specialists join ‘London’s original brokerage house’
The London Broker signs ex-Lodha star Philippa Bromley-Martin & Cannes-based luxury specialist Jez Moore as platform expands internationally.
John D Wood & Co adds five-branch agency in SW London
Well-known firm with operations in Battersea, Balham, Fulham & Clapham joins prime agency's expanding 'family of brands'.
PCL dealmaker Harvey Cyzer on the state of play in Mayfair’s property market
The headlines may be bleak, but sales revenue at OB Private’s Mayfair office is up 228% year-on-year - so are smart buyers seeing what others aren’t?
By Harvey Cyzer
Global buyers drive $115mn bidding at luxury property auction in London
High-value villas, ranches and vineyards were among the offerings at the latest Concierge Auctions event, held last week at Sotheby's London.
Weekly Showcase: Ten featured prime resi listings
PrimeResi's regular stock check, powered by LonRes
Rhodium brings in former LVMH director for global branded residences push
Luxury sector heavyweight Pierre Mallevays joins Dean Main’s super-prime firm as Strategic Advisor, as it eyes more international growth.
LATEST ARTICLES
Former boss of JLL Kensington joins Moveli
'Upper market' brokerage's latest signing will cover Cheltenham, the Cotswolds & London.
Boutique London developer targets European expansion
Alex Macaulay's Kinland has lined up luxury schemes in Portugal & the French Alps, after delivering two sell-out projects in South London.
Dolphin Square Resurfaces: Inside one of Europe’s biggest resi restoration projects
First wave of apartments & luxury amenities make a splash in epic overhaul of 'iconic' rental estate in Pimlico.
Long-running RBKC agency launches ‘flagship’ HQ in South Ken
tlc Estate Agents is also revamping its former home in Earl's Court. 'We are honouring our heritage while stepping confidently into the future,' declares COO Samantha Hossack.
By PrimeResi
Expanding real estate recruitment firm strengthens senior ranks
Georgia Zambakides steps up as Executive Director at deverellsmith as the London-based business plans for 'unparalleled' growth.