A property developer has been sent a court summons for a council tax bill for a derelict building.

Suresh Tank has been renovating a property he acquired in April which, he says, entitles him to a six-month council tax exemption because the house is empty and uninhabitable.

He was sent a court summons for a bill of more than £300, which has been accumulating since April.

Croydon Council said all taxpayers must pay their bills while their exemption applications are being considered.

But Mr Tank said: "Not only is the house empty and unfurnished but it was in terrible state when I bought it and that's why I am renovating it.

"The woman who had the property before me was 90 years old. She was born in that house and died there, so there was an enormous amount of work that needed to be done."

Properties which are unoccupied and substantially unfurnished are eligible for council tax exemption for up to six months, as are properties vacant because they need major repairs or alterations to make them habitable.

A spokesman for Croydon Council said the authority was told Mr Tank had bought the property in April and added: "Mr Tank made no contact with the council until the end of June, after he received a final reminder to pay his council tax.

"Council tax regulations state that a taxpayer has a duty to pay the council tax as billed until any discount or exemption is granted.

"Mr Tank was advised that he would have to pay his bill while his application was being considered but has so far failed to do so. Consequently, summonses were issued.

"A surveyor's report we have recently received from Mr Tank suggests that the work being undertaken at Boston Road constitutes refurbishment.

"We have requested that the court hearing is adjourned while we write to the Tanks to confirm our findings and invite them to supply further evidence.

"We have also offered to send an inspector round to check the property."