Anns v Merton London Borough Council (1978) determined that a local authority owed a duty of care to ensure building foundations met approved standards. It was ruled that failure to inspect foundations properly, leading to structural defects, could result in liability for negligence.
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🏛️ Court: House of Lords 🗓️ Judgment Date: 12 May 1977 🗂️ Where Reported: [1978] A.C. 728; [1977] 2 W.L.R. 1024; [1977] 2 All E.R. 492 📍 Jurisdiction: United Kingdom
Duty of Care: The case established that local authorities owe a duty of care to ensure that building inspections are conducted properly, particularly concerning foundations, to prevent structural defects and safeguard future occupants.
