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Beckham Neighbours Battle Over Cinema Basement Plans
Beckham neighbours fight court over cinema basement plans in London mansion dispute.
In brief
Beckham neighbours fight court over cinema basement plans in London mansion dispute. Residents near David and Victoria Beckham's London home are suing a mystery neighbour for building a cinema basement under their garden. Originally reported by Dailymail.
Beckham Neighbours in Court Dispute
Residents living beside David and Victoria Beckham on 'millionaire's row' face bitter court fight over mystery neighbour's plans for giant cinema under garden.
Mystery Neighbour's Plan
Mystery owner wants to build basement with gym and cinema room under garden of house where they all own apartments in Holland Park.
Beckham's London Residence
David and Victoria Beckham's main London residence cost £31.5million in 2013 and is on the same street as other celebrities including Simon Cowell.
Residents' Company
Photographer Piers Calvert and former banker Lisa Erickson are directors of freehold and residents' company in the High Court dispute.
Ground Floor Owner
Ground floor apartment owner is an offshore entity with very little known about it other than it owns the garden.
Court Dispute
A judge is asked to rule whether the company owns only the cultivatable surface of the garden or all soil beneath it to the centre of the earth.
Residents' Argument
The company says the demise of the garden does not carry with it subsoil to the centre of the earth or beyond reasonably required for garden use.
Judge's Ruling
Judge Master Francesca Kaye reserved decision on dispute until later date after three days in court.
Lease Details
Mr Calvert owns attic flat lease, Mrs Erickson owns maisonette below lease, and ground floor is owned by Montana International Properties Ltd.
Planning Permission
Planning permission granted in 2018 for single-storey 2.5m deep basement with gym and cinema room under garden.
Freehold Company
51 Holland Park Residents Ltd is freehold company made up and owned by owners of flats including Mr Calvert and Mrs Erickson.
Montana's Position
Montana International Properties Ltd says the demise includes all subsoil beneath garden and there is no alternative construction in lease.
Legal Argument
Barrister Daniel Dovar says the issue is whether garden extends below subsoil and how far, with Montana claiming it is sufficient to develop underground basement.
Legal Dispute
Freehold company argues garden demise does not include subsoil beyond reasonably required for garden use, while Montana claims it includes all subsoil.
No Identity Confirmed
Lawyers for both sides declined to confirm who owns the offshore entity or identities of tenants occupying lower apartment.
Court Outcome
After three days in court, judge Master Francesca Kaye reserved decision on dispute until later date.
Here's the gist
Residents near David and Victoria Beckham's London home are suing a mystery neighbour for building a cinema basement under their garden.
