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
Big-brand super-prime brokerage names new MD; reveals bumper H1 results
United Kingdom Sotheby’s International Realty says it racked up nearly £600mn in sales during the first half of 2025.
Interiors lead appointed at super-prime Pimlico scheme
'Landmark' One Bessborough Gardens project is transforming a former Government spy agency HQ overlooking the Thames.
London property market more split than it has been since Brexit – Knight Frank
Agency flags significant divergence in prices and deal volumes between PCL and POL amid ‘summer of speculation.'
From Manhattan to Mayfair via Miami: Where the world’s $30m+ set call home
New research charts the cities with the largest UHNW residential footprints, revealing shifting second-home trends and emerging luxury hotspots.
Rosewood elevates luxury resi ambitions with senior hire
'Residential business is our strategic development focus,' says CEO of global hospitality group, as top-end specialist joins to drive next growth chapter.
Treasury eyes Autumn IHT & CGT hikes
Reports suggest the government 'is trying to work out how it can tap into the vast wave of wealth that will be transferred from baby boomers when they die.'
By PrimeResi
The Times: How a British estate agent conquered New York
Katrina Burroughs meets 'the rising star of the Big Apple’s real estate scene' ahead of the new season of hit Netflix show Owning Manhattan, in this piece for The Times.
Mayfair specialist joins Harding Green in Hertfordshire
Kitty Halley previously worked at Wetherell and Savills.
By PrimeResi
Irish developer Ronan ‘exploring a return to London’ following landmark Dublin deal
Johnny Ronan's Ronan Group - which once had grand plans for Battersea Power Station - is 'actively pursuing opportunities as it charts a course back into the UK market'.
By PrimeResi
From Acquisitions to AI: How Polly Ogden Duffy is future-proofing John D Wood & Co
Inside the strategic moves, market insights, and bold ambitions shaping one of the best-known brands in prime property.
LATEST ARTICLES
Major prime agency installs new lettings boss
Daniel Fisher will lead the 153-year-old firm's lettings business into its 'next chapter'.
In Pictures: Inside Echlin’s country house debut in the Cotswolds
Boutique design firm shows off its first interiors project outside of London - delivering 'subtle luxury' for a Singaporean family in Oxfordshire.
By PrimeResi
‘Fierce competition’ in SW London sees renters bid above asking
'75% of family houses were let at the asking price or above on the first viewing' in July, reports Savills.
By PrimeResi
Weekly Showcase: Ten featured prime resi listings
PrimeResi's regular stock check, powered by LonRes.
Four Seasons to launch standalone resi project in Abu Dhabi
Collaboration with asset manager Alain on Saadiyat Island is promising to 'redefine luxury living in the UAE.'