The Claimant, the London Borough of Hillingdon, sought an interim injunction following reports of unauthorised works to the Cinema for which listed building consent had not been sought or granted. The Cinema is considered to be the finest surviving work of the noted cinema architect Eric Norman Bailey and is listed by Historic England as a Grade II* listed building. It is also associated with the noted cinema speculator A.E. Abrahams who was responsible for its construction. It is considered to be one of the most highly developed exercises in art deco attempted in any cinema and is home to a historically significant organ.

The Claimant’s substantive claim is for an injunction pursuant to section 44A of the Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) Act 1990. This case demonstrates, however, the effectiveness of interim injunctive proceedings in restraining actual and apprehended breaches of listed building consent.

Mark O’Brien O’Reilly, instructed by the London Borough of Hillingdon, acted for the Claimant. The Defendants, following the commencement of proceedings, consented to the imposition of an interim injunction by the High Court.