A judge has ruled that the Vaults & Garden cafe owners should have more time to file a full defence to the University Church’s attempt to gain possession at only three months’ notice.
At a hearing in Oxford County Court yesterday, a barrister representing the Church tried to persuade the District Judge that Will Pouget, the founder, and Fresh Connection Ltd, the operating company, were licensees and should be evicted immediately.
But the Judge responded that “we all know that a licence may not be a licence” and allowed the Defendants 28 days in which to file details of their defence before a second two-hour hearing expected to take place next March.
After the hearing, Will Pouget said that he was very relieved by the court’s decision and that he still hoped to come to an amicable agreement with the Church.
Will Pouget also said : “My legal advisers have informed me that this case is likely to last more than two years as it continues and cost each party more than £250,000 in costs which is very worrying.
“The losing party could face a bill of more than £500,000 which would be disastrous for me personally.”
Will Pouget also responded to a press release issued by the Church yesterday headed "Court action to proceed” about their plans “to redevelop the cafe and establish a social enterprise.”
In the press release, the Church states the plans “led to appropriate notice being given to Mr Pouget to vacate the premises at the end of August.”
The Church said that in comments to the media: ”the business owners indicated that Mr Pouget and Fresh Connection wished to avoid legal action” and “negotiate a settlement.” It goes on to say “we have tried to reach an agreed outcome in recent days but have not been able to agree terms.”
Will Pouget says “The fact is the church did make an unexpected offer at the last minute but it was not acceptable. We made a counter-offer but received no response.”
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