THE BIG RETORT

In the world of property management, landlords often find themselves navigating a complex terrain where financial interests must be balanced with the welfare of tenants. Profit and goodwill form a delicate balance, one that a landlord, who's been managing rental properties for decades, is all too familiar. Recently, a chance encounter with a potential tenant seeking an affordable rental home in a conservation area shed light on the stark differences in perspective that can shape these relationships. TheBigRetort A recent encounter with a militant flat seeker looking for a rental property revealed a strikingly different viewpoint to lettings than most landlords might expect. This particular tenant, firmly believed that landlords should reduce rents for tenants, not out of goodwill, but because it was the "right" thing to do.  Her perspective was clear: greedy landlords should provide lower rents. Any financial sacrifices they might make were secondary. It did not for...

  In a recent legal case involving the London Borough of Lewisham, two defendants, found themselves in the spotlight, accused of introducing an additional skylight to their roof without planning permission. However, this case has now raised a series of pressing questions about the Council's prosecutor - who failed to make an appearance, much to the annoyance of a district judge.  A skipped court appearance On the morning of October 5, 2023, a case was scheduled at the Bromley Magistrates Court. The two defendants had previously requested an adjournment. A request that was refused outright by Lewisham Council's prosecutor. Nonetheless, on the day, it was the noticeable absence of the Lewisham Council's prosecutor that became the focus of attention, particularly for District Judge Turnock. Appointed by the Queen in 2020 upon the advice of the Right Honourable Robert Buckland QC MP (pictured) and the Lord Chief Justice of England and Wales, the Right Honourable The Lord Burnet...

Some years back, we ventured into the realm of James O'Brien, the outspoken LBC radio presenter known for his fearless approach to contentious issues. At the time, O'Brien was fervently condemning buy-to-let property investors, accusing them of inflating rent prices and obstructing the younger generation's path to homeownership. However, our revelation about O'Brien's involvement in the buy-to-let market left many across the nation shocked and bewildered. The Big Retort Moses on Mortgages In 2014, LBC’s James O'Brien engaged in a spirited on-air exchange with the Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, focusing on the Church's land ownership and its impact on tenants. O'Brien's Moses-like critique implied that God had ventured into the realm of demon buy-to-let landlords. O'Brien's relentless sermon O'Brien's relentless sermon on buy-to-let painted landlords as the culprits behind housing unaffordability and skyrocketing renta...

In the heart of a thriving Lewisham community, in southeast London, KJ Building Supplies stands as a vital resource for builders and homeowners alike. However, this seemingly unassuming DIY business has found itself at the centre of a complex planning and enforcement dispute with the Council, prompting questions about the boundary between local governance and the law. The saga began when KJ's was invited to apply for planning approval for an open storage area adjacent to the shop. The request was met with disappointment as planning officer Russell Brown exercised "officer delegated powers" to deny the application. The decision hinged on two key allegations: first, that the land had undergone an unauthorised change of use to a "builder's yard," and second, that a shipping container had been installed without proper permissions. In response to this setback, KJ’s owners appealed the decision to the planning inspectorate, seeking a reconsideration of the c...

From the beginning, the case of KJ Building Supplies has unfolded in a Kafkaesque manner. It began with a planning contravention notice issued seven years ago. It demanded that local DIY shopkeeper, Kevin Bottomley (pictured), aka “KJ,” cease various activities related to his builders’ merchants. A busy store on the busy A20.  Kevin had, in fact, sold the shop to his young charge Will Buckle (pictured). However, due to a series of errors and questionable decisions made by planning enforcement officers, Will’s dreams for the future of the store quickly descended into madness.  Enforcement overreach Back in June 2016, following a sole complaint, the then enforcement officer Janet Hurst initially determined that the land on which a metal container sat, and which had been introduced that year by Kevin, was not the only thing in breach of planning. Hurst included the land too, even though it had been used that way for many years. In fact, the description of the breach would notably...

Much of the talk in the media and on the Internet is about the ULEZ expansion. However, let us not forget that other cash cow seemingly out to pasture. Yellow Box Junctions (YBJs) in London have always been a contentious issue for drivers. In the past, these junctions have often been perceived as revenue-generating traps rather than tools for traffic management. While our past discussion initially looked at the tenure of former Mayor Ken Livingstone, the question remains: Are YBJs still a lucrative source of income for Transport for London (TfL)? A few years back, during the tenure of then London mayor Ken Livingstone, we ran a story on YBJs and the alleged Congestion Charge scam. It sparked outrage among London drivers. Many voiced their concerns. Arguing that these junctions were exploited by TfL to extract fines from unsuspecting motorists, turning them into cash cows rather than serving their intended purpose. The current landscape Fast forward to today, and London's tran...

  On Saturday, we had the pleasure of attending the Lewisham Arthouse Open Studios. This vibrant art facility has been a cornerstone of the local creative community for some years now. However, it has recently found itself in dire need of financial support to continue its vital work. TheBigRetort... The Lewisham Arthouse is much more than just a building; it is a hub for artistic expression, creativity, and cultural and soulful enrichment. The event, which ran from the 31st of September to the 1st of October, showcased the immense talent of local artists while shedding light on the challenges faced by this essential institution.  Rosey Prince One of the primary concerns is funding. The future of this important art facility hangs in the balance. It needs substantial financial assistance to maintain its infrastructure and continue its support for local artists.  As we wandered through the small studios during our visit, it was evident that this place is teeming with arti...