Stephen Eccles

The Leasehold Reform (Ground Rent) Act 2022 received Royal Assent on 8 February 2022.  When it comes into force, it will abolish substantive ground rents for most residential long-leases in the UK. However, the Act…

The Court of Appeal decision in the case of Fearn and Others v Board of Trustees of The Tate Gallery [2020] EWCA Civ 104 has been appealed to the Supreme Court. Facts of the case This case…

A recent judgment from the Court of Appeal has brought clarification to the law surrounding Success Fee recoverability in claims made under the Inheritance Act 1975. The Case Hirachand v Hirachand [2021] EWCA Civ 1498 –…

The recent proliferation of CCTV cameras, including the often-mentioned Ring Doorbell, is beginning to cause disputes between neighbours complaining of lack of privacy. The first case directly dealing with these issues was decided by Her…

We are delighted to announce that Partner Stephen Eccles has joined Pilotlight as a Pilotlighter. Pilotlight is a registered charity and social enterprise which was set up to help other charities and social enterprises access…

The decision of Sir Geoffrey Voss, Master of the Rolls has been handed down in the Court of Appeal in the case of Ralph v Ralph [2021] EWCA Civ 1106. This was a case where…

At present, commercial property landlords are banned from taking forfeiture proceedings for rent arrears accrued during the pandemic period until 25 March 2022. The government has recently issued a policy statement indicating legislation will be…

The recent case of Kang and Another v Pattar [2021] EWHC 1101 (Technology and Construction Court) concerned a typical construction dispute between dissatisfied homeowners and an unpaid builder. Facts of the case As is often the case,…

Insolvency of companies, even High Street giants is increasing. How does this affect commercial property owners? What can a commercial property owner do if its tenant ceases to trade and becomes insolvent? In our article “Commercial…

The definition of “What is a Highway” is a matter that comes up surprisingly often in relation to both residential conveyancing, land development and litigation matters. In the recent case of Barlow v Wigan Council [2019]…