London Standard 9 Jan 1871: Rateability of Coprolite Works

COPROLITE RATING IN CAMBRIDGESHIRE. —

A case of considerable interest to the owners of coprolite property and contractors for coprolite excavations came on for hearing at the Cambridge Ephiphany quarter sessions on Friday, in the form of an appeal by Mr. Charles Roades v. The Churchwardens and Overseers of the parish of Trumpington. Mr. Naylor and Mr. Mills supported the appeal, and Mr. Poland (specially retained) with Mr. Mayd and Mr. Horace Browne were for the respondents. The parties had agreed upon a special case for the Court of Queen’s Bench, and last November Mr. Justice Blackburn and Mr. Justice Mellor decided that the appellant was liable to be rated in respect of the increased value of the land upon the commencement of the excavations. The question in the appeal at the sessions was the basis upon which the rate had been confirmed, and the court decided that the whole land was liable to rates until it was actually restored to agricultural use, and dismissed the appeal with costs. This decision will probably govern 51 more appeals which have been entered.

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