The Mayor of Bradford v Pickles, [1895] AC 587
Appellants: The Mayor, Aldermen and Burgesses of the Borough of Bradford
Respondent: Edward Pickles
Year: 1895
Court: House of Lords
Judges: Lord Halsbury LC, Lords Watson, Ashbourne, Macnaghten
Country: United Kingdom
Facts
Pickles owned land containing underground streams which fed Bradford waterworks. Pickles began to sink shafts for the alleged purpose of draining certain beds on stone the effects of which were to seriously affect water supplies to Bradford operations. Bradford alleged that Pickles was not acting in good faith but to compel them to purchase his land.
Issue
.Can a use of property which would be legal if due to a proper motive become illegal because it is prompted by a motive which is MALICIOUS??
Decision
Appeal not accepted.
Appeal should be dismissed with costs.
Reasons
The court held that as long as the defendant had a right to take an action on his property, there is no way that can be converted to an illegal action, no matter what his motives. There was no reason why he should not demand that the city pay for his interests in the water beneath his land.
Ratio
One has the right to use his land as he wishes.