Construction Law Update
Adam Robb QC
September 2020
A paper presented at the Society of Construction Law Spring Conference in Leeds on 6th March 2020
The paper reviews the case law between March 2019 and March 2020 that is of interest to the construction industry. The subjects comprise the following areas: interpretation of contractual notices; interpretation of a variation clause; review of the test for Practical Completion; liquidated damages and termination; duty of care, pure economic loss and danger to adjoining properties; liability of Approved Inspectors; latent defects insurance; good faith and termination; relational contracts and good faith; contract formation and quantum meruit; availability of quantum meruit; enforceability of alternative dispute resolution clauses; meaning of ‘default’ in bespoke amendments to ICE Target Cost; professional indemnity insurance and notification; requirements of collateral contracts; whether agreement to withdraw unmeritorious defence was adequate consideration for settlement agreement; and the test for inducement in fraudulent misrepresentation and transferred loss following Swynson v Lowick Rose.
A. Introduction – B. Stobart Group Ltd v Stobart – C. Mears Ltd v Costplan Services (South East) Ltd – D. Triple Point Technology Inc v PTT Public Co Ltd – E. Thomas v Taylor Wimpey – F. Lessees and Management Company of Herons Court v Heronslea Ltd – G. Zagora Management Ltd v Zurich Insurance plc – H. TAQA Bratani Ltd v Rockrose UKCS8 LLC – I. Bates v Post Office Ltd – J. Anchor 2020 Ltd v Midas Construction Ltd – K. Moorgate Capital (Corporate Finance) Ltd v HIG European Capital Partners LLP – L. Ohpen Operations UK Ltd v Invesco Fund Managers Ltd – M. Network Rail Infrastructure Ltd v ABC Electrification Ltd – N. Euro Pools plc v Royal & Sun Alliance Insurance plc – O. New York Laser Clinic Ltd v Naturastudios Ltd – P. Simantob v Shavleyan – Q. BV Nederlandse Industrie Van Eiprodukten v Rembrandt Enterprises Inc
The author: Adam Robb QC is a barrister practising from 39 Essex Chambers
Text: 48 pages