Tribunals · Durham County Council · 2017 rating list

WM Smith & Sons (Barnard Castle) Ltd, Stainton Grove, Barnard Castle, Barnard Castle, DL12 8UH

Warehouse and premises Decided 20 September 2024 CHG101088359 Ken Batty Chartered Surveyors - Sara

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

Original RV£49,750

Ratepayer sought—

VO conceded first—

Tribunal decided£49,500£32.5/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 rateable value of £49,750 as unreasonable, arguing for a lower main space rate (£30/m2 instead of £32.50/m2), contending that the external display building should be valued at one-third the main rate, and that the office uplift should be reduced from 20% to 15%. The tribunal found the current main space rate of £32.50/m2 was reasonable based on comparable evidence, but agreed that the external display building—used purely for historical display—should be valued at half the main space rate (£16.25/m2). The tribunal reduced the assessment to £49,500 RV, allowing the appeal in part.

Summary generated from the decision text and checked against it. The appellant was WM Smith & Sons (Barnard Castle) Ltd, represented.