Birdlip Ltd v Hunter & Anor

Birdlip Ltd v Hunter & Anor

The evidence did not establish a scheme of mutually enforceable restrictive covenants; the conveyances lacked clear identification of the scheme area, mutuality, and intention, and extrinsic evidence was insufficient and speculative. The existence of conflicting plans and equivocal covenants further negated the existence of a scheme.

Parties
Appellant: Birdlip Limited; Respondents: Hunter & Anr
Jurisdiction
England and Wales
Judgment Date
28 June 2016
Procedural Posture
Civil Appeal / Court of Appeal Judgment
Outcome
appeal allowed
Legal Topics
Restrictive Covenants, Scheme of Development, Mutual Enforceability, Land Conveyancing

Case Brief

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Parties

Birdlip Limited

Appellant

Hunter & Anr

Respondents

Procedural Posture

Civil Appeal / Court of Appeal Judgment

  1. 1 Whether a scheme of mutually enforceable restrictive covenants exists over the relevant properties
  2. 2 Whether the evidence establishes the necessary prerequisites for a scheme of development

Ratio Decidendi

The evidence did not establish a scheme of mutually enforceable restrictive covenants; the conveyances lacked clear identification of the scheme area, mutuality, and intention, and extrinsic evidence was insufficient and speculative. The existence of conflicting plans and equivocal covenants further negated the existence of a scheme.

Court Disposition

appeal allowed

Orders

  • The appeal is allowed; the judgment of HH Judge Behrens is set aside.