Tribunals · Wales · Pembrokeshire · 2017 rating list

Unit 8 Withybush Retail Park, Fishguard Road, Haverfordwest SA61 2PY

Retail warehouse with supported storage floor Decided 26 February 2021 684530976310/285NV17 Valuation Tribunal for Wales CBRE

OutcomeAllowedThe tribunal reduced the rateable value.

Original RV · 2017 list£172,000£185/m²

Ratepayer sought£133,000

VO conceded first£154,000−10% before the hearing

Tribunal decided£133,000£143.18/m²

Figures are as stated in the decision, and are values in the 2017 list; a dash means the document does not state that figure.

What was argued and what the tribunal found

The appellant, acting as agent for the retail tenant, argued that the RV of £172,000 (£185/m2) was excessive and should be reduced to £133,000 (£143/m2), based on the passing rent which devalued to £143.18/m2. The appellant contended that this rent was the best available evidence and reflected the property's inferior location hidden behind other retail units. The Valuation Officer conceded the original assessment was excessive and proposed £154,000 (£165/m2), referencing a basket of rents across the retail park. The tribunal, applying Lotus and Delta v Culverwell, treated the passing rent as the starting point and found that the property should not be valued above the passing rent level, particularly as the rent had not increased despite being reviewed after the opening of the nearby Debenhams anchor store. The tribunal allowed the appeal and ordered the RV to be reduced to £133,000.

Summary generated from the decision text and checked against it. The appellant was Sportsdirect.com Retail, represented.