Shubtill v Port Authority of Finchley

The plaintiff Ernest Shubtill had sought approval from the defendant, a local authority, for a punting business in the Hampstead Garden Suburb. The defendant claimed it declined in a conversation with the plaintiff, as it was entitled to do in accordance with the governing regulations. The regulation required notification of the consideration to be delivered orally or in writing.

Any person affected by a direction issued under this subchapter may request reconsideration by the official who issued it or in whose name it was issued. This request may be made orally or in writing, and the decision of the official receiving the request may be rendered orally or in writing.

Finchley Municipal Regulations (Port and Waterways Authorities)

The defendant claimed that it had indicated its decision, which was no, in the course of that conversation. Mr Dickson of the defendant shook his head.