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
UK Sotheby’s International Realty confirms departure of Managing Partner Reynolds
Claire Reynolds spent 19 years with Savills before joining George Azar's brokerage to lead a dramatic expansion in prime London.
By PrimeResi
Agency seals record-breaking deal in ‘London’s first luxury apartment block’
'Spectacular' £10.75mn duplex at Albert Hall Mansions was sold to an overseas buyer.
PCL property & wealth management consultancy bolsters team
Mayfair-based Lanesborough Advisory installs Henry Browne as Partner and Co-Owner.
Trio of developers completes hidden scheme in the heart of Mayfair
Three agencies are jointly handling sales at Three Kings Mayfair, where one apartment has already sold for more than £5,000 psf.
By PrimeResi
Turning the page: Why it’s time to exit the ‘Wexit’ echo chamber
It would be impossible for prime markets not to feel the impact of recent tax changes, but the reality of the 'wealth exit' on the ground is different from the media perception, say top property advisors…
£50mn trio of trophy apartments sold at 9 Millbank
Series of super-prime sales at the landmark St Edward scheme marks a 'significant milestone' for Westminster's property market, says agency.
Historic Chelsea gem with artistic pedigree hits the market at £9mn
Buyer sought for 'once-in-a-lifetime opportunity' between the King's Road and Fulham Road.
Buyer sought for Lutyens’ last country house masterpiece
Grade I Cotswolds mansion debuts on the open market, seeking offers over £18mn.
Former Berkeley Group sales boss joins Harding Green
Radhika Bedford previously ran sales for Berkeley's St George brand in North London.
By PrimeResi
Property agents face ‘major changes’ as Material Information rules replaced
'The risks for non-compliance are potentially much higher' now, warns Propertymark, as Trading Standards removes Material Information guidance in favour of regulation under the new Digital Markets, Competition…
By PrimeResi
LATEST ARTICLES
Big-brand luxury property brokerage launches ‘flagship’ West London office
UK Sotheby’s International Realty has opened a fifth branch in the capital, setting up shop with a strong team on Kensington Church Street.
By PrimeResi
Savills reports good start to 2025; expects improving market conditions in H2
Most prime resi markets remained 'resilient' through the first quarter, said the international real estate firm, with the UK performing better than last year.
Solicitors get new guidance on navigating climate change in property transactions
67% of respondents to the Law Society's recent consultation felt uncertain about how to advise on risks posed by increasingly extreme weather.
‘Britain’s most daring property developer’ to race in 14,500km motor rally
John Caudwell has been inspired by the links between the famous Peking to Paris Rally and his £300mn resi project on the French Riviera.
Kensington market heats up as international buyers sense an opportunity
Agency reports flurry of transactions between £5mn and £10mn across the prestigious neighbourhood.