Building owners carrying out notifiable party wall works, usually basement extensions, which cause damage to adjoining owner’s buildings, have been known to say “Terribly sorry old chap, but you will understand that I employed top-notch contractors, and the law says that I am not responsible for the negligent acts of my independent contractors”.
In party wall matters, however, the much relied upon “independent contractor” defence to general negligence claims, does not apply.
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Marc Glover has been instructed as Prince Hussam's lead counsel in the dispute since 2023, having taken over from John Wardell KC (Wilberforce). Peter Arden KC (Erskine Chambers) and Geraint Jones KC (3 Paper Buildings), were engaged with Marc in the Petition hearing, along with Tanfield’s Hugh Rowan. Marc and Hugh were assisted Sami Allan, Pupil Barrister at Tanfield Chambers. Stephen Moverly-Smith KC (XXIV) and Adam Baradon KC (Blackstone) acted on behalf of MTC.
After years of talk on meaningful reform, will 2025 be the year that things begin to change?
