Tribunals · City of London Corporation · 2017 rating list

Pt Gnd Flr 20 Old Bailey, EC4M 7AN

Office and Premises Decided 31 July 2025 CHG100547666 Knight Frank - Bjorn Bowles

OutcomeAllowed in partThe tribunal reduced the rateable value, but by less than the ratepayer sought.
Original RV£242,000£525/m²
Ratepayer sought£475
VO conceded first—
Tribunal decided£260,000£500/m²

Figures are as stated in the decision; a dash means the document does not state that figure. This decision covers 12 properties; the figures shown are for the first listed.

What was argued and what the tribunal found

The appellants challenged the rateable values of multiple office units at 20 Old Bailey, London, arguing the existing base rate of £525 psm was unreasonable based on comparable properties and rental evidence. The tribunal examined rental evidence from the subject building and comparable properties (10 Old Bailey valued at £480 psm and 60 Ludgate Hill at £550 psm), and agreed the original RVs were unreasonable. The tribunal determined a base rate of £500 psm was appropriate, reflecting the subject property as superior to 10 Old Bailey but inferior to 60 Ludgate Hill, and allowing for the partial refurbishment with new façade on the Old Bailey side only and reduced natural light at the Fleet Place entrance.

Summary generated from the decision text and checked against it. The appellant was Metro Bank plc, represented.

Grounds argued

  • Comparable assessments (tone)
  • Valuation method
Evidence
Rents, Earlier tribunal decisions
Cases cited
Dawn Bunyan (VO) v Acenden Limited [2023] UKUT 17 (LC); Gardiner & Theobald LLP v David Jackson (VO) [2018] UKUT 0253 (LC); Denton v TH White Ltd [2014] EWCA Civ 906
Hearing
1 July 2025

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