Dover Farm Developments Limited & Anor v Philip Paul Smith & Anor

Dover Farm Developments Limited & Anor v Philip Paul Smith & Anor

Claimants are entitled to their costs of the strike out application, subject to reductions reflecting the hearing's role in facilitating mediation and the combined nature of the costs statement. Defendants are entitled to limited costs for the amendment application, assessed at two-thirds of a Grade B solicitor's...

Source-derived case information.

Parties
Claimant: Dover Farm Developments Limited; Claimant: Terrence Raymond Lucas; Defendant: Philip Paul Smith; Defendant: Lesley Smith
Jurisdiction
England and Wales
Judgment Date
11 December 2025
Procedural Posture
Civil / Post Hearing Costs Determination
Outcome
Costs awarded to Claimants, offset by Defendants' entitlement for amendment application costs.
Legal Topics
Costs Assessment, Strike Out Application, Amendment of Pleadings, Mediation
Defamation Civil Procedure Costs Assessment Strike Out Application Amendment of Pleadings Mediation

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Parties

Dover Farm Developments Limited

Claimant

Terrence Raymond Lucas

Claimant

Philip Paul Smith

Defendant

Lesley Smith

Defendant

Procedural Posture

Civil / Post Hearing Costs Determination

Legal Issues

  1. 1 Entitlement to costs following unsuccessful strike out and amendment applications
  2. 2 Appropriate assessment of costs for professionally represented parties and litigants in person
  3. 3 Impact of mediation on costs determination

Ratio Decidendi

Claimants are entitled to their costs of the strike out application, subject to reductions reflecting the hearing's role in facilitating mediation and the combined nature of the costs statement. Defendants are entitled to limited costs for the amendment application, assessed at two-thirds of a Grade B solicitor's time. Net costs are payable by Defendants to Claimants.

Court Disposition

Costs awarded to Claimants, offset by Defendants' entitlement for amendment application costs.

Orders

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