Partner at Basildon-based law firm Palmers Solicitors, Jeremy Sirrell, was recently involved in a case that saw an unexpected result.
Residents of the Five Links Estate in Basildon challenged the council’s plans to rename their streets and adjust the numbering system; a move that would affect 533 properties.
The roads in question – Somercotes, Mellow Purgess and Newberry Side – were set to be renamed on a flowers theme. This concerned residents who feared that public bodies and companies failing to update their records would cause them problems in the future.
However, their fears were allayed when the District Judge overturned the council’s decision and ruled that Basildon council will have to pay costs.
The Five Links Residents Association were represented by Jeremy Sirrell, who pointed out that residents from 422 of the 533 homes due to be affected by the plans had signed letters of objection. This persuaded the judge to overturn the Councils’ decision. As a result of a further application by Mr. Sirrell, the District Judge went on to unexpectedly declare that the council would have to pay the costs of bringing the action against the Council to the objectors.
Jeremy Sirrell commented: “This was a most unusual case but a great outcome for The Five Links Residents Association. The roads will retain their current names and the court fees have been covered by Basildon Council; a great result!”
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