Tribunals · Central Bedfordshire Council · 2023 rating list

COLMAN HOUSE, CHERRYCOURT WAY, STANBRIDGE ROAD, LU7 4UH

Factory and premises Decided 10 July 2025 CHG101226956 Altus Group - Oakland - Manchester/Ryan Property Tax Services UK Limited

OutcomeDismissedThe appeal failed and the rateable value was left unchanged.
Original RV£46,750£70/m²
Ratepayer sought£40,750
VO conceded first—
Tribunal decided£46,750£70/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 challenged the rateable value of a factory in Leighton Buzzard, arguing the adopted value of £70/m² was too high and should be reduced to £60/m² (RV £40,750). The tribunal found the subject property was held under a lease between connected parties at £300 per annum, which did not constitute an open market rent. However, the tribunal placed significant weight on comparable properties on Cherrycourt Way (the same industrial estate as the subject property) which were similar in size, either new leases or lease renewals close to the antecedent valuation date, and all supported an adopted value of £70/m². The appellant's comparable evidence was either too distant, too different in size, or required excessive adjustments to carry meaningful weight. The tribunal determined the appellant had failed to discharge the burden of proof to demonstrate the current RV was unreasonable.

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

Grounds argued

  • Rental evidence · decisive
  • Comparable assessments (tone)
Evidence
Rents, Settled assessments
Cases cited
Lotus & Delta v Culverwell; Gardiner & Theobald LLP v David Jackson
Hearing
11 June 2025

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