Compensation paid to victim of architect negligence claim
If you are looking for experienced solicitors with a track record of success in dealing with architect negligence cases on a no win, no fee basis, then contact us for a free case assessment on 0333 888 0403 or send brief details of your case to us at [email protected]
As professional negligence solicitors, we receive a huge number of enquiries about claims against surveyors and builders, but architect negligence claims are far less frequent.
Our client, Mr G, wanted to invest in property, either as a buy-to-let or to flip it. However, he saw advertised a piece of land coming up for auction which had planning permission to build a two bedroom property on it. The planning permission was very clear on what was required, setting out what rooms each floor had to have. Further, it was very clear that no further enlargement or alteration to the property or the height of its roof, could be undertaken without obtaining further permission from the local authority.
As this was a new venture, Mr G contacted an architect, gave him a copy of the planning permission and asked for his opinion. The architect assured Mr G that he had suitable experience on similar projects and “knew what [Mr G] could get away with”. He immediately suggested that a third bedroom could be put in the loft, thereby increasing the value of the new house. The architect prepared the necessary plans and lodged them with the local authority. However, he did not send them to the planning department, only to building control to confirm that the build would comply with building regulations. It passed.
Mr G therefore built the property according to the new plans. Just before the roof was on, a planning officer came to inspect the property and informed Mr G that he was in breach of planning consent. He had to strip the building back down to the first floor and erect it in accordance with the original planning consent, at considerable additional cost to himself.
Mr G contacted us about making an architect negligence claim. We reviewed the case and agreed to take it on, working on a no win, no fee basis.
At first, the architect denied liability. He claimed that he had not seen the planning permission and then that it was not his responsibility to check the terms of the consent. Later, he argued that he had not been employed by Mr G and so there was no contractual relationship. Ultimately, he conceded and an out of court settlement of the architect negligence claim was reached.
If you are looking for experienced solicitors with a track record of success in dealing with architect negligence claims then contact his for a free case review and details of no win, no fee funding.
