Following last week’s High Court judgement in the long-running dispute between luxury lodge residents in Abbotsley and Vivien Saunders OBE, any attempt to appeal the ruling has now been refused, including a request for an extension to lodge an appeal.
The case, which spanned seven years saw Ms Saunders accused of challenging leaseholders on her land at Abbotsley Country Homes, near St Neots. The High Court dismissed her claims, with Judge Karen Walden-Smith issuing a scathing verdict describing her behaviour as “manipulative” and “bullying,” and stating that she had “deliberately sought to mislead the court.”
The judge’s 144-page judgement was described as unusually lengthy due to the volume of allegations and issues involved. It concluded:
“The outcome is that the claimant has failed to succeed in her two claims, which are dismissed in their entirety.”
It is understood that Ms Saunders will now be responsible for covering the legal costs of both sides, adding to the financial burden of a dispute that has already been highly publicised locally.
Image: Abbotsley Lodge residents pictured outside court following High Court judgement victory.
The original case drew attention for its impact on residents, including concerns over mental health and stress caused by the prolonged legal battle, and had previously seen Ms Saunders convicted of common assault against one lodge owner.
With the refusal of the appeal, the High Court’s ruling now stands, bringing an end — at least legally — to one of St Neots’ most high-profile local property disputes in recent years.
Black Cat Radio has approached Vivian Saunders OBE for comment.
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