Consumer protection or commercial burden? A summary of URS v BDW [2025] UKSC 21
The Supreme Court’s decision in URS v BDW [2025] UKSC 21 is an important decision in construction law. It also deals with several points of general legal significance relating to the Limitation Act 1980, claims under the Defective Premises Act 1972, claims under the Contribution Act 1978, and interpretation of the Building Safety Act 2022. Following the Grenfell Tower tragedy, the Government investigated safety standards in tower blocks and discovered pervasive defects in structures across the country, such as unsafe cladding. It has since encouraged building developers to carry out any remedial work necessary to ensure new safety standards are met. Facts The respondent to this appeal, BDW Ltd, is a property developer. The appellant, URS Ltd, provides consulting engineering services. Like many other developers, BDW conducted investigations in to the safety of its residential high-rise developments post-Grenfell. It discovered design defects in two of its developments, for wh...
