Section 7: Completion notices for buildings ceasing to be, then becoming, occupiable
Section 46A and Schedule 4A of the 1988 Act make provision for the service of a completion notice in respect of a new building that is to be added to the rating list. This is a means of determining the completion day in relation to that building. The provisions also apply to part of a building. Section 7 amends the definition of a ‘building’ in section 46A so that a completion notice may also be served by a billing authority in England in respect of a building which, although not new in itself, was temporarily unoccupiable for example, due to a refurbishment or alteration. This will allow it to be added or returned to a list, using the same completion notice process as for new buildings, closing a lacuna in the legislation. Section 7 also includes provision for where part of a building is added to an existing building, such as an extension or the creation of a new floor.