Chattan Developments Ltd v Reigill Civil Engineering Contractors Ltd
Abstract
15 February 2007 Ramsey J Technology and Construction Court [2007] EWHC 305 [2007] ArbLR 11 Arbitration Award--Appeal--Question of law--Oral contract--Arbitrator finding parties intended to exclude damages--Whether error of law (no)-- Arbitration Act 1996, s 69 Arbitrator's findings of fact as to terms of oral contract cannot be challenged Chattan and Reigill concluded an agreement pursuant to which Reigill would construct 14 homes and complete related site works. Disputes arose concerning delays to the works. Chattan commenced arbitration. In a preliminary award, the arbitrator held that the parties had concluded an oral agreement referred to in correspondence which incorporated the terms of the JCT (1980 edition) standard form of construction contract but deleted cl 24 which provided for liquidated and ascertained damages in the event of delay. In a second award, the arbitrator dealt with the question of unliquidated damages. He found that the parties' intentions had been to exclude damages from the contract and dismissed Chattan's claims. Chattan appealed on ground of error of law contending that the deletion of cl 24 did not affect the other provisions of the JCT standard form, including cl 23 which provided for damages in the event of failure to complete on