Dover Farm Developments Ltd & Anor v Smith & Anor [2025] EWHC 2862 (KB) (11 November 2025)

Dover Farm Developments Ltd & Anor v Smith & Anor [2025] EWHC 2862 (KB) (11 November 2025)

Claimants are entitled to their costs of the strike out application, subject to reductions for overlapping work and the role of the hearing in facilitating settlement; Defendants are entitled to limited costs for the amendment application as litigants in person, with a net sum payable by Defendants to Claimants.

Citation
[2025] EWHC 2862 (KB)
Parties
First Claimant: Dover Farm Developments Limited; Second Claimant: Terrence Raymond Lucas; First Defendant: Philip Paul Smith; Second Defendant: Lesley Smith
Jurisdiction
England and Wales
Judgment Date
11 November 2025
Procedural Posture
Defamation / Costs Judgment Following Applications to Strike Out and Amend Pleadings
Outcome
Costs awarded to Claimants, net of Defendants' limited costs, to be paid by Defendants within 28 days.
Legal Topics
Costs, Strike Out Applications, Amendment of Pleadings, Litigants in Person
Civil Procedure Defamation Costs Strike Out Applications Amendment of Pleadings Litigants in Person

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Parties

Dover Farm Developments Limited

First Claimant

Terrence Raymond Lucas

Second Claimant

Philip Paul Smith

First Defendant

Lesley Smith

Second Defendant

Procedural Posture

Defamation / Costs Judgment Following Applications to Strike Out and Amend Pleadings

Legal Issues

  1. 1 Entitlement to costs following unsuccessful strike out and amendment applications
  2. 2 Appropriate assessment of costs where parties are represented and litigants in person

Ratio Decidendi

Claimants are entitled to their costs of the strike out application, subject to reductions for overlapping work and the role of the hearing in facilitating settlement; Defendants are entitled to limited costs for the amendment application as litigants in person, with a net sum payable by Defendants to Claimants.

Court Disposition

Costs awarded to Claimants, net of Defendants' limited costs, to be paid by Defendants within 28 days.

Orders

  • Defendants to pay Claimants £4,104.12 by 4.00pm, 1 December 2025.