Tribunals · London Borough of Richmond upon Thames · 2023 rating list

1 ST FL, 14 CASTLE MEWS, HIGH STREET, HIGH STREET, TW12 2NN

Office and premises Decided 24 July 2025 CHG101087385 Roberts Vain Wilshaw - Paul Roberts

OutcomeAllowedThe tribunal reduced the rateable value.

Original RV£87,500£205/m²

Ratepayer sought£74,000

VO conceded first—

Tribunal decided£74,000£173/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 the rateable value should be reduced from £87,500 to £74,000 based on the passing rent of £74,208 agreed in December 2021 at a rent review, which showed no increase from the 2016 letting. The tribunal found the subject property was let in Category B state (not Category A as the VO contended), and much of the tenant's £292,000 fit-out spend was business-specific upgrading for the small laboratory area that would not add value to a new tenant. The tribunal concluded the best evidence was the passing rent and the nil increase at the December 2021 review indicated the market did not support a higher value, so the RV should be reduced to £74,000.

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