Design action from Redrow

Redrow Homes has commenced a multi-million pound court case in Scotland against rival housebuilder Bett Homes. Redrow claims that Bett has built over 200 houses using Redrow designs since early 1993.

A spokeswoman for Redrow said: "We are proud of our designs and have spent considerable time and effort designing our product range, indeed our house types have been a major factor in our success.

"Our housing range has been updated and revised many times over the years reflecting feedback from our customers in respect of their expectations and requirements.

"Having invested so much effort in our designs we are determined to protect their originality."

Bett Homes is part of Bett Brothers plc, based in Dundee, against whom Redrow is also taking action.

The case will come to trial in the middle of next year. In addition to Redrow's claim for "several million pounds", the legal costs for each party could run to œ500,000.

Ronnie Hannah, chief executive of Bett Brothers, said: We've taken the best advice and will be defending it vigorously."