Carlo Cudicini embroiled in legal battle over sun terrace
Carlo Cudicini, the 52-year-old former Chelsea goalkeeper with 216 appearances for the club between 1999 and 2009, is currently facing a legal dispute regarding a compact sun terrace at his South Kensington residence, reports BritPanorama.
The Milan-born ex-footballer purchased the property in Jay Mews for £1.75 million in 2006, during a successful period in his Premier League career. Since then, the home’s value has risen to over £3 million. Located near notable landmarks such as Hyde Park and the Royal Albert Hall, this residence is just two miles from Stamford Bridge, where Cudicini now works as head of talent and the club’s pathway program.
The legal action is initiated by Haya Property Ltd, the freeholder of the site. The dispute reportedly stems from Cudicini’s objections to three air conditioning units installed next to his master bedroom, which he reported to the City of Westminster as a nuisance. His legal team claims that the lawsuit is retaliatory, following his complaints.
In court, Mark Warwick KC, representing Cudicini, described the breach allegation as “unjustified.” He argued that it was a misguided response to Cudicini’s prior complaint. During proceedings before Judge Olivia-Faith Dobbie, Warwick stated, “Further and in any event, the allegation was their unjustified riposte to Mr Cudicini’s earlier complaint to the City of Westminster that Haya Property had wrongly placed three noisy air conditioning units next to his master bedroom.”
Cudicini’s defense revolves around planning permission granted by Westminster Council prior to his acquisition of the property, which sanctioned “the replacement of a rear first floor window with French doors – and use of flat roof and lightwell as a terrace.” Warwick informed the court that Cudicini, who bought the house on 30 June 2006, made alterations in line with the permitted plans. Since around 2008, he has openly utilized the terrace.
Prior to Haya Property’s purchase of the freehold in November 2015, landlords supposedly received formal notification and granted approval for the terrace. However, Haya Property alleges that Cudicini’s use of the less than two-metre square terrace is a “trespass and/or breach of covenant” under the terms of his lease. The company is seeking an injunction to halt further use of this area, along with damages of up to £25,000.
Cudicini’s lease runs for 999 years at the nominal fee of “one red rose per annum if demanded.” A brief pre-trial hearing occurred last week, but no date has been scheduled for the full trial.
As this legal saga unfolds, it brings to light how the life of a sports star is often intertwined with the complexities of urban living. The intersection of personal privacy and community regulations raises pertinent questions about the modern homeowner experience, adding yet another layer to Cudicini’s storied post-football career.
