Tribunals · City of Westminster · 2017 rating list

26-27 Aybrook Street, W1U 4AN

Accommodation from basement to fourth floor Decided 25 March 2024 CHG100750752 CBRE - William Martin

OutcomeDismissedThe appeal failed and the rateable value was left unchanged.
Original RV—
Ratepayer sought£555,000
VO conceded first£715,000
Tribunal decided£715,000

Figures are as stated in the decision; a dash means the document does not state that figure.

What was argued and what the tribunal found

The appellant argued for a 41% reduction in RV to reflect a material change of circumstances caused by construction work opposite the appeal property, citing a rent reduction agreed by the landlord. The tribunal found that while construction work clearly constituted an MCC and the landlord had agreed variable reductions (41% for three years or 25% over five years), the 25% allowance over the lease term reasonably reflected the disturbance. The tribunal was persuaded by the VO's position that the 25% reduction, when annualised over the full lease period, equated to the same benefit as the 41% over three years, and was supported by similar settlements on neighbouring properties.

Summary generated from the decision text and checked against it. The appellant was Working Title Films Ltd, represented.

Grounds argued

  • Change of circumstances · decisive
  • Rental evidence
Change of circumstances
construction works
Evidence
Rents, Photographs, Expert report
Cases cited
Lotus and Delta ltd v Culverwell; Dawkins v Ash Brothers and Heaton Limited; Hostsoho Limited v Jackson; The Occupier v Stauder
Hearing
29 February 2024

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