Jewelcraft Limited v Pressland

The issue in this case was whether a property in a parade of shops with flats above was a house reasonably so called. The tenant held a long lease and claimed the freehold under the Leasehold Reform Act 1967. The landlord resisted the claim on the ground that the property was not a “house”. Thomas Jefferies, appearing for the tenant, contended that the case was not properly distinguishable from Tandon v Spurgeon, in which the House of Lords had held that as a matter of policy such properties were to be regarded as houses. Judge Dight found for the landlord.  The tenant is seeking permission to appeal to the Court of Appeal.