When does a landlord’s “no” stop being reasonable, and start blocking regeneration? In this episode, hosts Richard and Lizzie unpack the High Court decision in Great Jackson St Estates Ltd v Manchester City Council, a dispute at the heart of a major Manchester regeneration scheme. At the centre of the case was a landlord refusing consent for demolition works under an existing lease. The court found that refusal unlawful, clearing the path for redevelopment to proceed. Crucially, the judgment draws a line between alteration and demolition. Richard also explores what it means for developers, landlords, and local authorities navigating restrictive covenants and consent to alteration and demolition. If you’re involved in urban regeneration, leaseholds or public sector estates, this case is a reminder to exercise caution when refusing consent to alterations, particularly in complex urban regeneration projects. Relevant cases: Great Jackson St Estates Ltd v The Council of the City of Manchester [2025] Get in touch! Training & Free Webinars for Property Professionals:Would you like to keep up to date with the latest in real estate law? Davitt Jones Bould offers legal training tailored to your organisation’s needs, delivered in person across the UK or remotely. We also run free monthly webinars through for surveyors, solicitors, and property professionals across sectors. To sign up or learn more, visit our events page here or email [email protected] for information and booking. This podcast is for informational purposes only and is not intended to provide legal or professional advice. No liability is accepted by Davitt Jones Bould for any reliance placed on its content. Get in touch!

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“What did the council decide on item 42?” — answered with the speaker and the moment.