Tribunals · Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea · 2017 rating list

Waterstones, 39-41 Notting Hill Gate, W11 3JQ

Ground floor retail unit with additional retail and storage on first floor Decided 16 June 2025 CHG100961760 WSP Real Estate Services Limited

OutcomeDismissedThe appeal failed and the rateable value was left unchanged.
Original RV£164,000£960/m²
Ratepayer sought£123,000
VO conceded first—
Tribunal decided£164,000£960/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 argued that a rent of £120,000 per annum agreed in September 2014 should be taken as the starting point for valuation, supporting a proposed RV of £123,000 (Zone A rate of £715/m² or overall £225/m²). The tribunal found that while the rent was a rent review (held less weight than a new letting), the evidence of comparable rents in the locality (£700-£1050 ITZA) indicated that the subject property's rent was out of line with the tone of the area. The tribunal disregarded any effect of planning applications on the rent, as the tenant retained full beneficial occupation of the premises. Accordingly, the tribunal confirmed the Zone A rate of £960/m² and RV of £164,000 as not excessive.

Summary generated from the decision text and checked against it. The appellant was Waterstones Booksellers Limited, represented.

Grounds argued

  • Rental evidence
  • Comparable assessments (tone) · decisive
  • Valuation method
  • Change of circumstances
Change of circumstances
redevelopment planning application
Evidence
Rents, Settled assessments
Cases cited
Lotus and Delta Ltd v Culverwell; Prodorite v Clarke; Dawkins v Ash Bros and Heaton Ltd; R v South Staffordshire Waterworks Co
Hearing
22 May 2025

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