What kind of property was involved in McKinnon v Walker that related to the concept of abnormal sensitivity?

In McKinnon v Walker, the property involved was a farm growing orchids, which is significant in relation to the concept of abnormal sensitivity. The case illustrates how the sensitivity of the plaintiff's property use can lead to a determination of nuisance. Orchids, being delicate plants, are particularly susceptible to disturbances and environmental changes, which underscores the idea of abnormal sensitivity. This means that the typical usage of the property (in this case, cultivating fragile orchids) and its specific needs must be considered when assessing whether a nuisance exists.

In legal terms, the sensitivity of the orchids played a crucial role in the court's evaluation of whether the defendant's actions constituted a nuisance. The decision highlighted that not all property uses are viewed the same under nuisance law; some uses, particularly those that require special conditions or exhibit a high degree of sensitivity, can bolster a nuisance claim due to the unique vulnerabilities involved. This case serves as a precedent in defining how the characteristics of certain properties can impact the legal standing in nuisance disputes.