Tribunals · Waverley Borough Council

Plot D1 Ret 09, 10 Marlborough Walk, GU9 7SE

Mixed development - retail, residential and commercial units Decided 20 February 2026 VT00031612 Surrey County Council/Colliers International - Phil Adlard

OutcomeAllowed in partThe tribunal reduced the rateable value, but by less than the ratepayer sought.
Original RV—
Ratepayer sought—
VO conceded first—
Tribunal decided—from 1 Jul 2025

Figures are as stated in the decision; a dash means the document does not state that figure. This decision covers 27 properties; the figures shown are for the first listed.

What was argued and what the tribunal found

The appellant (billing authority) issued a completion notice on 5 June 2025 treating the Brightwells Yard Development properties as complete from that date. The owner's representative argued the properties were unfit for occupation and sought completion by 30 November 2026, citing the Ravenseft principle that buildings must be ready for intended occupation. The tribunal found that while five properties were already occupied by 27 November 2025, without proper work schedules or detailed estimates, and considering an approximate two-week fit-out time per unit, it was reasonable to expect completion by 1 July 2025 rather than 6 June 2025. The appeals were allowed in part, amending the completion date to 1 July 2025.

Summary generated from the decision text and checked against it. The appellant was Surrey County Council, represented.

Grounds argued

  • Validity of the proposal
  • Effective date
Evidence
Measurement survey, Photographs
Cases cited
Ravenseft Properties Ltd v Newham London Borough Council; Post Office v Nottingham City Council
Hearing
2 December 2025

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