A Christchurch-based Korean developer who tried to build a food court in a heritage listed building without the appropriate consents has tried to claim damages for loss of business from his contractors in the High Court at Christchurch.

But he sought too much – $7.17 million in fact – and a judge has given him until this week to reapply so long as he sticks to the High Court rules and doesn’t seek more than the $30,000 for which the contractor in question was liable.