London Borough of Islington v Elliott & Anor [2012] EWCA Civ 56 (01 February 2012)

London Borough of Islington v Elliott & Anor [2012] EWCA Civ 56 (01 February 2012)

Quia timet relief was not necessary as the Council had resolved to remove the trees before trial, and the claimants failed to show imminent danger requiring an injunction. Costs should not be awarded to claimants for period prior to service of defence; Council entitled to costs thereafter.

Citation
[2012] EWCA Civ 56
Parties
Appellant/defendant: London Borough of Islington; Respondent/claimant: Margaret Elliott; Respondent/claimant: Peter Morris
Jurisdiction
England and Wales
Judgment Date
01 February 2012
Procedural Posture
Appeal / Court of Appeal Judgment
Outcome
Appeal allowed
Legal Topics
Nuisance, Quia Timet Injunction, Costs, Tree Root Damage

Case Brief

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Parties

London Borough of Islington

Appellant/defendant

Margaret Elliott

Respondent/claimant

Peter Morris

Respondent/claimant

Procedural Posture

Appeal / Court of Appeal Judgment

  1. 1 Whether a quia timet injunction can be granted when no physical damage has yet occurred but is likely unless prevented
  2. 2 Appropriate costs order when nuisance is remedied before trial

Ratio Decidendi

Quia timet relief was not necessary as the Council had resolved to remove the trees before trial, and the claimants failed to show imminent danger requiring an injunction. Costs should not be awarded to claimants for period prior to service of defence; Council entitled to costs thereafter.

Court Disposition

Appeal allowed

Orders

  • No order for costs up to and including service of defence
  • Council entitled to costs of action after service of defence