Construction focus: 2021 in selected highlights
Dan Cudlipp, Associate in our Construction team, and Hannah Coupe, Trainee Solicitor, spoke to the Property Law Journal to recap a selection of the legal developments of particular interest and importance to construction professionals in 2021.
First, Dan and Hannah discussed three cases relating to suppliers attempting to rely on its own standard terms and conditions (T&Cs) in order to avail themselves of some benefit contained within those terms. For varying reasons, each of those attempts failed, and the travails of the suppliers provide a helpful lesson for the rest of us.
Second, they focused on two decisions from the Supreme Court that deal with two issues that construction professionals will frequently encounter, particularly the latter: limitation and liquidated damages.
Finally, they focus on the legislative changes and guidance in the construction sector. The review and achievement of fire safety remained a central theme of 2021, and their selection focuses on the progression of legislation and guidance on that topic.
This article first appeared in issue #393 of the Property Law Journal, published by Legalease Ltd.