Tribunals · Hertsmere Borough Council · 2017 rating list

Sky Studios Elstree, Rowley Lane, WD6 1FX

Film studios and premises Decided 7 October 2025 CHG101186416 GL Hearn Limited - Star 2017

OutcomeMixed

Original RV£915,000

Ratepayer sought£555,000

VO conceded first£735,000−20% before the hearing

Tribunal decided£640,000from 20 Sept 2022

Figures are as stated in the decision; a dash means the document does not state that figure. This decision covers 5 properties; the figures shown are for the first listed.

What was argued and what the tribunal found

The appellant (film studio operator) challenged the rateable values of five phased alterations to the rating list, arguing that substantial ongoing construction disturbances should warrant higher allowances than the valuation officer proposed. The tribunal accepted that construction disturbances would materially impact a hypothetical tenant's bid and adopted a tapered allowance approach reflecting the diminishing impact as works progressed. The tribunal allowed three appeals in part by applying 30%, 20%, and 15% allowances respectively (rather than the appellant's 39.5%, 20%, and 15% requests), while dismissing the final two appeals where the agreed/proposed allowances of 10% and 7.5% were found reasonable.

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