Five learned societies, which have occupied part of Burlington House in London rent-free for almost 150 years, are facing a High Court dispute over their occupation of the building.
The First Secretary of State, John Prescott, has issued a High Court writ to determine whether the Society of Antiquaries of London, the Royal Astronomical Society, the Geological Society, the Linnean Society and the Royal Society of Chemistry are licensees or tenants at will, and are capable of being removed from Burlington House.
Prescott is also seeking a declaration that their licences or tenancies to occupy the courtyard buildings, close to the Royal Academy, can be terminated on reasonable notice, and is asking the court to determine how much notice they should be given.
The First Secretary of State maintains that he is not withdrawing his consent for the societies to use the buildings, but says that they have never paid rent, and the basis upon which they have occupied the buildings has not been ascertained.
He wishes to register his title to the site at HM Land Registry, but the Land Registry requires the High Court to determine the basis of the societies’ occupation of the buildings. The societies claim that they have rights to an “equitable fee simple”.
References: PLS News 24/2/03
