Ex-Chelsea goalie Cudicini sued by landlord for converting roof into sun terrace

Carlo Cudicini, former Chelsea goalkeeper, is being sued by the landlord of his £3 million London mews home for converting the roof into a sun terrace.

The ex-footballer, 53, is being sued by Haya Property Ltd, the freehold owner of his South Kensington mews house, which is now worth more than £3 million.

According to court documents, the landlord claims the former goalkeeper’s use of the compact rooftop space, accessible from the first-floor lounge, constitutes trespass and violates the terms of his lease.

The dispute reportedly began when Cudicini complained about noisy air-conditioning units installed near his bedroom window by Haya Property, causing tension between the former player and the landlord. The lawsuit now seeks an injunction barring Cudicini from using the terrace, as well as compensation of up to £25,000.

Cudicini’s legal team counters that the outdoor terrace was created in line with planning permission granted by the City of Westminster before he purchased the property in 2006. They say the work was carried out openly with the knowledge and consent of previous landlords, and that Cudicini has used the terrace continuously since about 2008 without issue.

During a short pre-trial hearing last week, Cudicini’s barrister, Mark Warwick, said he embarked on a refurbishment project after buying the property, including opening up the terrace. The barrister told Judge Olivia-Faith Dobbie at Central London County Court: “On 30 June 2006, he purchased the house, with the benefit of the terrace permission, for £1.75 million.

“In about 2007 to 2008, he had work carried out on the house in accordance with the terrace permission, creating a terrace. The work was carried out openly and with the knowledge and/or consent of the previous landlords. From about 2008 and thereafter, he has openly used the terrace as part of the house.”

According to council documents, Cudicini also secured planning permission to create a new basement beneath the mews, to include an en suite guest room and a TV/playroom.