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The scales of justice on a plain background

Leakey v National Trust

1980 · [1980] QB 485

Posted By lanbuk.com

Facts

Soil and rocks from a natural mound on the National Trust's land slipped onto neighbouring houses. The knew of the risk.

Issue

Is an occupier liable for a arising naturally on his land?

Held

The Trust was liable.

Principle

An occupier must take reasonable steps, judged by his own resources, to prevent a known natural hazard harming neighbours.

Why it matters

Extends Sedleigh-Denfield to natural hazards.

Cited in these chapters

Cite this page

Leakey v National Trust [1980] QB 485 (Lanbuk) <https://www.lanbuk.com/llb/torts/cases/leakey-v-national-trust> accessed 31 October 2026

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This summary is a Lanbuk study aid based on the generally known facts and reports of the case. It is not legal advice.