Gosschalks showcases city’s legal expertise in £5.8m landmark case
Matthew Fletcher, 1st May, 2013
Gosschalks were recently instructed on a high profile case to seek compensation for their client Arnold White Estates from the National Grid who were represented by a major international City of London-based firm.
A government order had prevented the diversion of a 400kv overhead line to allow for housing to be built on a 1.4 hectare plot of land south of Leighton Buzzard in Bedfordshire. However, it was the Hull law firm together with their team of expert witnesses who celebrated victory with their client following a two week court hearing before Judicial body the Upper Tribunal (Lands Chamber) in Bedford Square, London.
Gosschalks sought compensation from the National Grid for the diminution in the value of that land which belonged to Arnold White. An expert valuer acting for the National Grid initially valued Arnold White’s loss at just £250,000. But the team at Gosschalks ultimately secured damages of £5,829,477 for their client, establishing an important point of legal principle in doing so.
Clearly delighted with the outcome, Chief Executive of Arnold White Estates, Bob Williams commented “this was a real team effort involving a whole range of specialists. With regards to the legal aspects, the expertise and dedication shown by the team at Gosschalks was absolutely first class throughout the whole process. Over many years I have worked with some of the biggest law firms in the country and would rank Gosschalks as being amongst the very best.”
This landmark case was handled by Partner and Head of Commercial & Construction Litigation at Gosschalks, Matthew Fletcher. “This is just another example of our ability to perform at the highest level” said Matthew. “Whether we’re dealing with a small issue for a local client or a multi-million pound case for a national developer like this, our focus remains the same, we put in 100% to achieve the right result for our client.”
This is just the latest in a string of successful high profile cases that Gosschalks has been involved in and clearly demonstrates that the legal market in Hull continues to go from strength to strength.
Link to judgment: Arnold White Estates Ltd v National Grid Electricity Transmission PLC (2013) UKUT 005 (LC)
On 18 February 2014, The Court of Appeal upheld the decision of the Lands Chamber in this case - see our updated article relating to the appeal by clicking on this link.
For enquiries relating to this case, please contact Matthew Fletcher on 01482 324252 or via email: mdf@gosschalks.co.uk
