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).
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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...
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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
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London Square gears up to launch sales at landmark heritage conversion project
Ambitious transformation of former Surrey County Council HQ is to deliver 264 new homes, with completion set for 2027.
Developer secures financing for Marylebone townhouse transformation
Consented plans allow the former HMO to be reinstated as a single grand residence.
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Seven key themes in the global branded residences sector
From standalone towers to wellness-led living, these are the big trends shaping luxury branded residences worldwide.
Ex-Cushman & Wakefield partners launch real estate advisory firm
Rufus Morgan, Lewis Smith & James Woolley have teamed up on the new venture, Medbourne, which will specialise in the UK Living Markets.
Influential committee calls for ‘major reform of the whole property tax system’
'The case for major reform of the whole property tax system – from Stamp Duty Land Tax to Inheritance Tax to Council Tax and VAT – is almost unarguable,' says Sir Vince Cable.
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