Narrow Parking Space Sparks Lengthy Legal Battle

A "trivial" row over just one foot of parking space has led to a courtroom battle between the residents of a multi-million pound housing development.

Andrew and Penny McSpadden have been at war with Sheriar Bradbury for years over the width of spaces outside the converted church they share in Hampstead, London.

The dispute escalated when Mary Hanina bought the third property in the three-home development for her daughter, Sophie, in 2013.

Mary Hanina claims her daughter's space has been squeezed into a tiny gap between a convertible BMW and 4x4 Volvo where only a "professional driver" could park.

The Haninas and Mr Bradbury claim each house is entitled to a space 7ft8in wide, while the McSpaddens say the correct figure is 6ft8in.

Sebastian Kokelaar, barrister for the Haninas, said:

"The McSpaddens have been parking their car in accordance with their mistaken understanding of the location of the boundary.

"Their continuing trespass has effectively prevented any meaningful use being made of Sophie Hanina's parking space. It is physically impossible to use it when there is also a car parked in Mr Bradbury's space.

"However, even when there is no car parked in Mr Bradbury's space, it is not possible to use the space lawfully because this would inevitable result in a trespass on his land."

Judge Nicholas Parfitt will deliver his judgment at a later date.

If you need assistance settling a dispute, call our litigation team today. You can speak to us in confidence on 020 8297 4414.

Mandy Peters

Litigation Solicitors