MVL Properties (2017) Ltd v The Leadmill Ltd
[2025] EWHC 349 (Ch) · High Court (Chancery Division, Leeds) — Norris J · 2025
The question
Could the landlord (part of the Electric Group) defeat the renewal claim of Sheffield's Leadmill venue on the basis that it intended to run a live music business from the premises itself?
What was held
Yes. The landlord established a firm and settled intention to occupy for its own business, with a reasonable prospect of implementing it. Goodwill built up by a much-loved tenant does not answer ground (g), and the tenant's arguments that the plan was a device failed on the evidence.
The tenant's onward challenge failed in May 2025 (widely reported); we have not been able to verify a separate Court of Appeal neutral citation, so treat the appellate stage as a refusal of permission rather than a reported judgment.
For a landlord
Ground (g) remains a real route to possession where you can produce operational, financial and management evidence of a genuine plan — board decisions, funding, staffing, programming.
For a tenant
Reputation, trading history and local support carry no statutory weight against ground (g). Attack the plan's credibility early and forensically, and price in compensation under s.37.
The provisions this turns on
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Case summary for general guidance only, not legal advice. Judgments turn on their own facts and later decisions may qualify them — check the primary transcript before relying on any point in correspondence or proceedings.