Tribunals · Rochdale Metropolitan Borough Council · 2023 rating list

Fierce Studios, Harvard st, Rochdale, Rochdale, OL11 2HA

Dance school and premises Decided 28 February 2025 CHG101209576

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

Original RV£18,000£80/m²

Ratepayer sought£7,000

VO conceded first£13,750−24% before the hearing

Tribunal decided£11,750£60/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, who operated a dance studio, challenged the VO's rateable value of £18,000, later reduced to £13,750 at the challenge stage, arguing it was too high given the property's location in a deprived area of Rochdale with poor accessibility compared to town centre locations. The tribunal found the VO's tone of value for main space of £70–£80 per m² was not supported when compared to lower assessments of similar dance studios in better locations within the same valuation scheme. The tribunal determined a fair tone of value for main space of £60 per m² and set the rateable value at £11,750.

Summary generated from the decision text and checked against it. The appellant was Fierce Studios.

Grounds argued

Comparable assessments (tone) · decisive
Rental evidence

Evidence: Rents, Settled assessments, Earlier tribunal decisions, Photographs
Cases cited: Lotus and Delta Ltd v Culverwell (VO) and Leicester City Council [1976] RA 141
Hearing: 14 February 2025

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The tribunal’s decision in full

Download the PDF · Find it on valuationtribunal.gov.uk