St James Group, a subsidiary of Berkeley Group, is claiming more than £300,000 in damages for the alleged professional negligence of its legal adviser.
The brownfield developer has lodged a High Court claim against Laytons, alleging that, owing to its negligence, St James has lost the chance to receive damages from investor Worldwide Property International.
Nick Simpkin, St James’ finance director, said that in view of its ongoing relationship with Laytons it was not appropriate to comment on the case.
Laytons is contesting the claim, but declined to comment further.
In March 2000, after a full public inquiry, St James was granted consent for the 394-flat scheme on the former Thames Water sewage treatment site.
St James was a joint venture between Berkeley and RWE AG’s Thames Water until 2006, when Berkeley bought, for £97.5m, the 50% share of St James that it did not own.
Hextalls is acting for St James.
References: EGi Legal News 09/01/07