Tribunals · London Borough of Merton · 2017 rating list

Jigsaw, Unit 231, SW19 8ND

Shop and premises Decided 2 July 2024 CHG100746993 BNP Real Estate/Montagu Evans - Ben Monk

OutcomeAllowed in partThe tribunal reduced the rateable value, but by less than the ratepayer sought.

Original RV—

Ratepayer sought—

VO conceded first—

Tribunal decided£52,000from 13 Jul 2020

Figures are as stated in the decision; a dash means the document does not state that figure. This decision covers 13 properties; the figures shown are for the first listed.

What was argued and what the tribunal found

The appellant sought a 7.5% allowance for the closure of Debenhams (an anchor store occupying 37.8% of the centre) which vacated on 1 February 2020, arguing this caused a material change of circumstances evidenced by increased vacancies and reduced footfall. The tribunal found the closure of Debenhams did justify an allowance as a key tenant acting as a magnet for customers, but the 7.5% reduction was excessive given that AFC Wimbledon subsequently occupied a unit prior to the material date (13 July 2020), which was a positive factor lifting gloom from the Debenhams departure. The tribunal allowed the appeals in part, reducing RVs by 5% effective from 13 July 2020 (the date of AFC Wimbledon's occupation), rather than from 1 February 2020 (Debenhams' closure), as valuations must reflect facts as they stood on the material day.

Summary generated from the decision text and checked against it. The appellant was Standard Life Assurance Ltd, represented.