[2024] UKUT 232 (LC)

This is an appeal against a decision of the Valuation Tribunal for England (the VTE) dated 18 September 2023, in which it dismissed an appeal against a Valuation Officer’s notice of decision in relation to the 2017 List entry for Finkley Down Farm of rateable value £100,000.

This is the second time in a little over two years that the Tribunal has determined the rating assessment of a farm themed leisure attraction. As in the first case, Fryer v Cox [2022] UKUT 229 (LC) which is usually referred to as ‘Apple Jacks’, the means of valuation is not in dispute, it is the components of the receipts and expenditure method that the parties have been unable to agree.

In this case the appellant seeks a reduction in the assessment to a rateable value of £54,500 and the respondent seeks to maintain the existing rateable value.

I inspected the attraction on 11 June 2024 accompanied by the appellant Mr Waters, Mr Barry Davies and the respondent Valuation Officer Mr Wayne Cox. At the hearing Mr Cain Ormondroyd appeared for the appellants and Mr Hugh Flanagan represented the respondent. I am grateful to them all for their assistance.