Tribunals · West Suffolk Council · 2017 rating list

CLAAS UK LTD, STATION WORKS, LITTLE SAXHAM, IP28 6QZ

Agricultural showroom and premises Decided 12 January 2026 CHG101132304 Ryan Property Tax Services UK Limited

OutcomeAllowedThe tribunal reduced the rateable value.
Original RV£965,000£100/m²
Ratepayer sought£580,000
VO conceded first—
Tribunal decided£580,000£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 argued the property should be valued as an industrial unit at £32.50/m2 rather than as a showroom at £100/m2, contending the display area was only 9.4% of the total floor area. The tribunal found the property was in fact an industrial warehouse with a small reception and office component, not in a showroom cluster, and that rebus sic stantibus principles meant a hypothetical tenant would not contemplate converting the large warehouse element into a showroom. The tribunal allowed the appeal, adopting the lower base rate supported by comparable industrial properties including the neighbouring Direct Table Foods property.

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

Grounds argued

  • mode category occupation
  • Comparable assessments (tone) · decisive
Evidence
Settled assessments, Expert report, Measurement survey, Photographs
Cases cited
Scottish & Newcastle Retail Limited & Allied Domecq Retailing Limited v R F Williams (VO); Gardiner & Theobald LLP v David Jackson (VO)
Hearing
3 December 2025

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The tribunal’s decision in full

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