In brief: works did not cause damage to nearby property (Grocers’ Company v Keltbray)

Table of contents

• Original news
• What was this case about?
• What did the court decide?
• What should construction lawyers take note of?

Article summary

Construction analysis: Mr Salter QC in the Queen’s Bench Division considered whether the collapse of debris during demolition works had caused damage to a nearby building. Although the court had to consider technical and complex evidence, it considered that the question before it was a simple one—whether it was satisfied on the balance of probabilities that the collapse was the cause of the damage. On the facts before it, including as to the likely vibration energy level resulting from the collapse, the court concluded that causation had not been established on the balance of probabilities.