Land Drainage Act 1991

27 Appeals against notices under section 25

(1) A person served with a notice under section 25 above may, within twenty-one days from the date on which the notice is served on him, appeal to a magistrates' court on any of the following grounds, that is to say—

(a) that the notice or requirement is not justified by that section;

(b) that there has been some informality, defect or error in, or in connection with, the notice;

(c) that the body which served the notice has refused unreasonably to approve the carrying out of alternative works, or that the works required by the notice to be carried out are otherwise unreasonable in character or extent, or are unnecessary;

(d) that the period within which the works are to be carried out is not reasonably sufficient for the purpose;

(e) that the notice might lawfully have been served on another person and that it would have been equitable for it to have been so served;

(f) that some other person ought to contribute towards the expenses of carrying out any works required by the notice.

(2) The procedure on an appeal under this section shall be by way of complaint for an order and in accordance with the [1980 c. 43.] Magistrates' Courts Act 1980.

(3) For the purposes of the time limit for bringing an appeal under this section the making of the complaint shall be treated as the bringing of the appeal.

(4) In so far as an appeal under this section is based on the ground of some informality, defect or error in, or in connection with, the notice, the court shall dismiss the appeal if it is satisfied that the informality, defect or error was not a material one.

(5) In the case of an appeal under this section, the appellant—

(a) may serve a copy of his notice of appeal on any person having an estate or interest in the part of the watercourse where the impediment occurs or land adjoining that part; and

(b) shall, where the grounds upon which the appeal under this section is brought include a ground specified in subsection (1)(e) or (f) above, serve a copy of his notice of appeal on each other person referred to.

(6) On the hearing of an appeal under this section the court may make such order as it thinks fit—

(a) with respect to the person by whom any work is to be carried out and the contribution to be made by any other person towards the cost of the work; or

(b) as to the proportions in which any expenses which may become recoverable by the body which served the notice are to be borne by the appellant and such other person.

(7) In exercising its powers under subsection (6) above the court shall have regard—

(a) as between an owner and an occupier, to the terms and conditions (whether contractual or statutory) of the tenancy and to the nature of the works required; and

(b) in any case, to the degree of benefit to be derived by the different persons concerned.

(8) A person aggrieved by an order, determination or other decision of a magistrates' court under this section may appeal to the Crown Court.

(9) Where upon an appeal under this section a court varies or reverses any decision of a body which has served a notice under section 25 above, it shall be the duty of that body to give effect to the order of the court.