Tribunals · Watford Borough Council · 2017 rating list

2 The Boulevard, Blackmoor Lane, WD18 8YW

Office and premises Decided 5 November 2024 CHG100875555 Evans & Payne LLP - Harris Makhdumi

OutcomeAllowedThe tribunal reduced the rateable value.
Original RV£282,500£140/m²
Ratepayer sought£220,000
VO conceded first£275,000−3% before the hearing
Tribunal decided£220,000£110/m²

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 challenged the RV of £282,500 (reduced to £275,000 by the VO following agreement on floor area of 2,003.47m²), arguing for a base rate of £110/m² rather than the VO's £140/m². The appellant submitted the property was a converted industrial unit lacking the quality and specification of true purpose-built offices, and relied on comparable properties supporting a lower valuation. The tribunal found the subject property was one-storey with inferior spec compared to the VO's comparables, that the on-site rent was over three years after the antecedent valuation date and between connected parties (warranting little weight), and that comparable properties at 1 Blackmore Lane (£107.50/m²) and Belfry Business Park (£110/m²) were more persuasive. The tribunal allowed the appeal and confirmed the RV at £220,000 on a base rate of £110/m².

Summary generated from the decision text and checked against it. The appellant was Storm Technology Ltd, represented.

Grounds argued

  • Comparable assessments (tone) · decisive
  • Rental evidence
  • Valuation method
Evidence
Rents, Settled assessments, Photographs, Expert report
Cases cited
Lotus and Delta v Culverwell; K Shoe Shops Ltd v Hardy; ITM Corporation Ltd v Mooney; Shrewsbury School Governors v Shrewsbury Borough Council & Plumpton; Shearson Lehman Bros Ltd v Hackney London Borough Council; Sainitta Global Lawyers (UK) v Mr A Ricketts; Gardiner & Theobald LLP v David Jackson
Hearing
8 October 2024

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