Former Chelsea Goalkeeper Carlo Cudicini Faces Legal Battle Over London Home Roof Conversion
Former Chelsea goalkeeper Carlo Cudicini is embroiled in a legal dispute with the landlord of his £3 million London mews home, following allegations that he unlawfully converted the property's roof into a sun terrace. The 53-year-old ex-footballer, who resides in South Kensington, is being sued by Haya Property Ltd, the freehold owners of the residence, which is currently valued at over £3 million.
Landlord's Claims and Legal Action
According to court filings, Haya Property Ltd alleges that Cudicini's use of the compact rooftop space, accessed from the first-floor lounge, constitutes trespass and breaches the terms of his lease. The lawsuit seeks an injunction to prevent Cudicini from using the terrace, along with compensation of up to £25,000. The dispute reportedly escalated after Cudicini complained about noisy air-conditioning units installed near his bedroom window by the landlord, leading to heightened tensions between the parties.
Cudicini's Defense and Historical Context
Cudicini's legal team has countered these claims, asserting that the outdoor terrace was created in accordance with planning permission granted by the City of Westminster before he purchased the property in 2006 for £1.75 million. They argue that the work was conducted openly with the knowledge and consent of previous landlords, and that Cudicini has used the terrace continuously since approximately 2008 without any prior issues. During a pre-trial hearing at Central London County Court, Cudicini's barrister, Mark Warwick, emphasized that the terrace was part of a refurbishment project initiated after the purchase, which included opening up the space as permitted.
Additional Planning Permissions and Lease Details
Council documents reveal that Cudicini also secured planning permission to create a new basement beneath the mews, featuring an en suite guest room and a TV/play room. Despite this, he now faces allegations of trespass and lease breach related to the terrace. Notably, Cudicini holds a 999-year lease on the house at a nominal rate of 'one red rose per annum if demanded,' adding a unique aspect to the case.
Legal Arguments and Background Investigations
Cudicini's lawyers contend that the lawsuit lacks a solid legal foundation and was triggered by the landlord's overreaction to his complaints about the air-conditioning units. His KC described the breach allegation as 'unjustified,' suggesting it was a retaliatory response. Furthermore, Cudicini's case includes claims that landlords prior to Haya Property's takeover in 2015 were formally notified of the terrace planning application and agreed to it. Since the case began, Cudicini has conducted additional historical enquiries, gathering documents that he believes support a complete defense against the allegations.
