Ferella v Otvosi [2005] NSWSC 962

Reported Decision : 64 NSWLR 101 (2006) NSW ConvR 56-149

New South Wales Supreme Court

CITATION : Ferella v Otvosi [2005] NSWSC 962

HEARING DATE(S) : 18 & 19 July, 1 & 2 August 2005

JUDGMENT DATE : 23 September 2005

JURISDICTION : Equity

JUDGMENT OF : Hamilton J

DECISION : Modification of restrictive covenant refused. Injunction to restrain development as in breach of covenant granted.

CATCHWORDS : REAL PROPERTY [432], [435], [436] - Restrictive covenants - Interpretation - General principles - Covenant that no building be erected "more than two storeys in height" - Meaning - Whether uncertain for ambiguity - Rule to be applied to resolve ambiguity - Proceedings to extinguish, modify or discharge restriction - Restriction obsolete - Meaning of obsolete - No substantial injury to person entitled - Meaning of substantial injury

Conveyancing Act 1919 s 89(1) and (2) LEGISLATION CITED : Real Property Act 1900 s 36(11) Supreme Court Rules 1970 Part 40 r 8

Associated Alloys Pty Ltd v ACN 001 452 106 Pty Ltd (2000) 202 CLR 588 Biotechnology Australia Pty Ltd v Pace (1988) 15 NSWLR 130 Cavacourt Pty Ltd v Durian (Holdings) Pty Ltd (1998) 9 BPR 16,833 Clark v Wodehouse 669 P2d 170 (1983) Doe d Abdy v Stevens (1832) 3 B & Ad 299; 110 ER 112 Druitts Developments Pty Ltd v Gosford City Council (2001) 114 LGERA 61 Durian (Holdings) Pty Ltd v Cavacourt Pty Ltd (2000) 10 BPR 18,099 Elliston v Reacher [1908] 2 Ch 374 Ex parte High Standard Constructions Ltd (1928) 29 SR (NSW) 274 Ferella v Otvosi [2003] NSWSC 1254 Ferella v Otvosi [2004] NSWSC 230 Ferella v Otvosi [2005] NSWSC 678 Fong v Hashimoto 92 Hawai'i 568; 994 P2d 500 (2000) Fowle v Welsh (1822) 1 B & C 29; 107 ER 12 Hiner v Hoffman 90 Hawai'i 188; 977 P2d 878 (1999) Hughes v ACT Planning and Land Authority (2004) 136 LGERA 420 Johnson v Linton 491 SW 2d 189 (1973) Kirby v Esplin NSWSC Bryson J 26 May 1989 unreported CASES CITED : Leichhardt Municipal Council v Daniel Callaghan Pty Ltd (1981) 46 LGRA 29 Lolakis v Konitsas (2002) 11 BPR 20,499 Ludwig v Chatauqua Shores Improvement Association Inc 5 AD 3d 1119; 774 NYS 2d 240 (2004) Metius v Julio 27 Md App 491; 342 A 2d 348 (1975) Mogensen v Portuland Developments Pty Ltd (1983) NSW ConvR 55-116 NSW Sports Club Ltd v Solomon (1914) 14 SR (NSW) 340 Pebruk Nominees Pty Ltd v Woolworths (Victoria ) Pty Ltd [2003] TASSC 94 Pieper v Edwards [1982] 1 NSWLR 336 Re Mason (1960) 78 WN (NSW) 925 Re Media, Entertainment and Arts Alliance; Ex parte Hoyts Corporation Pty Ltd (1993) 178 CLR 379 The Olympic Brilliance [1982] 2 Lloyds Rep 205 Upper Hunter County District Council v Australian Chilling & Freezing Co Ltd (1968) 118 CLR 429 W & D Engineering Pty Ltd v Chief Executive Officer of Customs [2000] FCA 440 Webb v Plummer (1819) 2 B & Ald 746; 106 ER 537 Williams v James (1867) LR 2 CP 577 Bradbrook and Neave, Easements and Restrictive Covenants in Australia (2nd ed, 2000) [15.5], [15.6], [19.62] & [19.64] Lewison, The Interpretation of Contracts (2nd ed, 1997) par 7.07 Norton on Deeds (2nd ed, 1928) 549 - 550