Apartment buyers in counterclaim

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Apartment buyers being sued by a property developer for not completing their contracts have launched a counter claim against the developer.

Lawyers for the prospective buyers have also asked for architects' plans, noise reports and papers held at Belfast City Council.

At least three people are facing court action brought by PBN Property Ltd.

They signed up for flats at Woodlands Manor in Belfast in the property boom, before the market turned.

Many homes built at the peak of the boom in 2007 are now worth considerably less than their original selling price and some banks are reluctant to agree mortgages.

The situation means that those unable to find the money for property they agreed to could lose big deposits or face a claim for the total cost.

The developers want to compel the buyers to complete the sales for which they signed up.

The defendants claim the contracts are not enforceable because of issues around the original specifications.

Big Picture Developments has also served writs

Barrister David Dunlop, acting for two of those being sued by PBN, told a High Court review hearing on Monday: "We are seeking discovery from the architects retained for the development.

"There are some issues to be dealt with, such as our counterclaim."

The case has been listed for a three-day trial next month.

A lawyer for another purchaser facing litigation confirmed a similar subpoena application in relation to a noise report was being filed.

It is understood legal teams also want to gain access to papers dealing with the relevant planning regulations.

Meanwhile, the scale of separate proceedings being brought by another developer has become clearer.

Big Picture Developments, which built apartments on the site of the old Ormeau Bakery in south Belfast, has issued writs against people who have yet to complete on apartments they booked.

The company has refused to disclose how many clients it is considering taking to court.

But a legal source involved in the case revealed: "It's well into double figures."