THE KING WHO WON’T READ THE METERS

Regular readers will recall that in 2024, we secured the funds that enabled residents at Home Farm Park in Cheshire (as managed by Fury Developments Ltd. and then-owned by subsidiary company Home Farm Country Park Ltd.) to instruct solicitor Tim Selley, who later successfully challenged the imposition of charges for the third-party installation of not very smart electricity and gas meters - the Upper Tribunal confirming the unlawfulness of the charges, whilst also ordering that residents who’d paid, be refunded.

HOWEVER other applications and Case Management hearings have ensued and Furys had instructed a Sophia Ava of Immisol Solicitors (Manchester), and registered as Legal IM Limited, to argue their case - who in turn engaged Wyldecrest’s somewhat notorious David Sunderland for his alleged expertise. Quite why Immisol believed Sunderland to be an asset in their submissions remains unclear - but in all of this, Furys have scored a spectacular own goal.

In short, having applied for a park licence in the name of Fury Developments Ltd., which was not forthcoming, in April 2025 they voluntarily struck off the company that owned the assets and held the license, Home Farm Country Park Ltd. – the assets, including Home Farm Park, since in the possession of the Crown under the auspices of the Duchy of Lancaster, whilst Immisol make their ongoing attempts to have the company restored. Meanwhile, where a company is removed from the Companies House register, it can no longer trade, enter con

tracts, or hold property. 

ADDED INFORMATION >>

When a company comes under the control of the Crown (typically via dissolution or “striking off” in the UK), it effectively ceases to exist as a private legal entity, and its assets are forfeited. This process is largely governed by the legal concept of bona vacantia (ownerless property). When a company is dissolved, any remaining assets — including land, buildings, cash in bank accounts, intellectual property (trademarks, patents), and shares — pass automatically to the Crown. Thereafter, the Treasury Solicitor (Bona Vacantia Division) usually handles these assets in England and Wales, while the King’s and Lord Treasurer’s Remembrancer manages them in Scotland.

Impact on Directors and Shareholders

• Loss of Control: Directors and shareholders lose all legal claim to the company’s assets.

• Liability: While the company is dissolved, directors can still face personal liability for debts if wrongdoing, such as fraud or improper striking-off, is discovered.

• Trading Penalty: Continuing to act on behalf of a dissolved company is illegal and can lead to prosecution. 

Recovery Options

Former owners may be able to recover assets, but it is a complex process: 

Restoration: The company can be restored to the register, which brings it back to life, and assets that have not yet been sold by the Crown will revert to the company.

Sale Proceeds: If the Crown has already sold the assets, the company may only be entitled to the proceeds of the sale, minus the Crown’s costs. 

COMMENT...

To avoid having assets pass to the Crown, directors should transfer or distribute all property and assets before the company is formally dissolved. The so-far lesson for park owners in this ongoing tale - is always choose your representatives wisely.

Meanwhile, I’m given to understand that the Duchy of Lancaster (the private landed estate held in trust for King Charles III, and who acts as the Duke of Lancaster) have confirmed that King Charles will not be reading the Home Farm Park meters due to other pressing engagements.

Posted by TT