High Court hears French Government challenge to basement works next to embassy

The High Court last week heard a challenge brought by the French Government to the validity of certificates of lawfulness issued by the Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea for works to the basement of a property next door to the French embassy.

The owners of the property – the former Soviet mission – are Jon Hunt, founder of the Foxtons estate agency, and his wife Lois. They intend to house their collection of vintage cars in the expanded basement.

According to Cornerstone Barristers, the background to the case was the council’s grant of planning permission and listing building consent in 2008. A smaller scheme was given listed building consent in 2010.

In April this year the Royal Borough issued certificates stating the works were lawful.

The French Government sought to argue that the listed building and lawful development certificates were flawed and should be quashed.

The case was heard by Mr Justice Holgate in the High Court on 10 and 11 November.

Tom Cosgrove from Cornerstone Barristers represented the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea in defending the proceedings.

Robert Griffiths QC of 4-5 Gray's Inn Square appeared for the French Government, while Paul Brown QC of Landmark Chambers appeared for the Hunts.