Tribunals · Hertsmere Borough Council · 2017 rating list

Sky Studios Elstree, Rowley Lane, WD6 1FX

Film studios and premises Decided 7 October 2025 CHG101186430 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

Sky UK Limited challenged the rateable values of a newly constructed film studio complex across five phases, arguing that disturbances from ongoing construction works throughout the completion period should result in higher allowances than those proposed by the Valuation Officer. The tribunal accepted that a tapered approach to allowances was appropriate, as the film studio use was more severely impacted by construction work than typical industrial premises. The tribunal allowed three appeals in part or in full (phases 1-3), allowing allowances of 30%, 20%, and 15% respectively, while dismissing two appeals where it found the VO's allowances of 10% and 7.5% for phases 4-5 to be fair and reasonable given the proximity to completion.

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