Cotham School v Bristol City Council & Anor

Cotham School v Bristol City Council & Anor

Costs are apportioned 10% against Bristol City Council and 90% against Ms Welham based on degree of participation and conduct; no order as to costs for the withdrawn contempt application due to lack of clear success; permission to appeal refused as no real prospect of success or compelling reason established.

Parties
Claimant: Cotham School; First Defendant: Bristol City Council; Second Defendant: Katharine Welham
Jurisdiction
England and Wales
Judgment Date
16 July 2025
Procedural Posture
Civil / Post Judgment Consequential Matters
Outcome
Costs apportioned; no order as to costs for contempt application; permission to appeal refused.
Legal Topics
Costs, Permission to Appeal, Contempt of Court, Town or Village Green Registration
Property Law Civil Procedure Costs Permission to Appeal Contempt of Court Town or Village Green Registration

Case Brief

Summary, issues, holding and outcome

More case intelligence is available

Unlock the full research layer for this judgment.

Full judgment text Downloadable case file Legal principles 9 Authorities cited 12 Party arguments 2 Amounts and remedies 2
Sign in to unlock

Parties

Cotham School

Claimant

Bristol City Council

First Defendant

Katharine Welham

Second Defendant

Procedural Posture

Civil / Post Judgment Consequential Matters

Legal Issues

  1. 1 Apportionment of costs between defendants
  2. 2 Costs of withdrawn contempt application
  3. 3 Permission to appeal substantive judgment

Ratio Decidendi

Costs are apportioned 10% against Bristol City Council and 90% against Ms Welham based on degree of participation and conduct; no order as to costs for the withdrawn contempt application due to lack of clear success; permission to appeal refused as no real prospect of success or compelling reason established.

Court Disposition

Costs apportioned; no order as to costs for contempt application; permission to appeal refused.

Orders

  • Bristol City Council to pay 10% of Cotham School's costs, subject to detailed assessment if not agreed.
  • Ms Welham to pay 90% of Cotham School's costs, subject to detailed assessment if not agreed.