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
SevenCapital gears up for £1bn London expansion
Birmingham real estate investor-developer announces brace of key hires & plans trio of major projects in the UK capital, delivering over 1,000 new homes.
Residence One sets up new £60mn scheme in St John’s Wood
Luxury developer acquires St Mark’s Court for the follow-up to its fast-selling Allen House project in Kensington.
Nicolas Van Patrick swoops on Aylesford International’s rental business
Boutique Knightsbridge agency boosts RBKC presence with latest high-profile acquisition.
Queen Anne ‘masterpiece’ hits the market on Chelsea’s Cheyne Walk
In Pictures: Historic trophy home overlooking the Thames is one of the most notable listings of 2025 so far.
Leading property PR agencies to merge
Chanel Bailey's Elevate & Adam Foster's Ellwood have joined forces to create 'a dynamic & expanded powerhouse in the industry.'
By PrimeResi
Douglas & Gordon launches £200mn+ property lending platform
James Evans' D&G has teamed up with Paul Oberschneider's Hilltop Capital Partners to create a new bridging finance platform.
By PrimeResi
Knightsbridge apartment scheme pitched as London’s ‘ultimate multi-generational home’
In Pictures: Mdesign's ultra-prime boutique project on Pont Street is being marketed at £54mn.
Ten Charts: Inside Foxtons’ big turnaround plan
Latest annual report reveals how the high-profile agency is approaching risk & opportunity, creating a 'more respectful and inclusive environment' - and deploying 'growth mode'.
Lucy Morton: Why landlords should keep calm & carry on
Change can be unsettling, but those who continue to provide quality homes and positive experiences for tenants have little to fear from the Renters Reform Bill, explains JLL's resi agency chief.
By Lucy Morton
Weekly Showcase: Ten featured prime resi listings
PrimeResi's regular stock check, powered by LonRes
LATEST ARTICLES
Alex Michelin: How super-prime developments are shaping residential trends
The Valouran CEO talks us through how innovations once reserved for the world’s most luxurious homes are now filtering into the mainstream housing market - and redefining modern living.
Knight Frank names three new lettings managers
Agency bolsters operations in key markets across South West, North, City & East London.
Required Reading: New sanctions rules for high-value property & art dealers, explained
Propertymark has compiled a guide to new reporting requirements that come into force next month.
By PrimeResi
Dubai developer targets price record with new Palm Jumeirah villas
Top-flight Middle Eastern architecture firm Killa Design is working with Swiss billionaire Dr David von Rosen's 25 Degrees to 'push the boundaries of luxury living and craftsmanship.'
By PrimeResi
Prime London Property Market Snapshot: Week 13, 2025
50% more sales were agreed in prime London's postcodes last week compared to the same seven days last year, as price cuts continue to run rife.
By PrimeResi