The Francis Newton, 7 Clarkehouse Road, S10 2LA

What was argued and what the tribunal found

The appellant argued that the rateable value should be reduced from £85,000 (the VO's reduced figure) to £70,000, based on Fair Maintainable Trade analysis and comparable properties which the appellant considered more representative. The appellant's representative contended the VO had not adequately adjusted for overtrading and sought a 52% reduction in adopted dry trade to £325,000. The tribunal found the VO's 28% allowance for overtrading was fair and reasonable, particularly noting it was less aggressive than the 24% reduction agreed by the same agent in the 2010 rating list despite higher actual trade at the relevant date. The tribunal rejected the comparable properties as being more wet trade-led with inferior locations, and upheld the VO's valuation as not excessive.

Summary generated from the decision text and checked against it. The appellant was J D Wetherspoon's, represented.

Grounds argued

• Valuation method · decisive
• Comparable assessments (tone)

Evidence

Trading accounts, Settled assessments

Cases cited

Watney Mann Ltd v Langley (VO); Gardiner & Theobald LLP v David Jackson (VO)

Hearing

24 September 2025

Similar decisions

• 41 -44, Park Lane,, Meadowhall Centre,, S9 1EL — Allowed in part, 1 May 2026
• The Greystones, The Greystones, S11 7BS — Dismissed, 24 Sept 2024
• The Sheaf Island, Ecclesall Road, S11 8HW — Allowed in part, 4 Apr 2022

All decisions in Sheffield City Council · Pubs, hotels and leisure nationally