Business rates and rateable value

[M3090881]

Hi, I have found a new premises for a coffee shop that I want to open however the building is going to have significant building work done beforehand. The building was previously an estate agents with an office space in the first floor. The developer is going to extend the property on the first floor above an existing single story extension to create additional space upstairs for two flats. They will have a separate entrance with a staircase at the back of the building. The new shop space will be handed over to me once the work separating the two spaces has been completed. Currently the rateable value of the property is 16k. My question is will the rateable value be assessed again once they two spaces have been separated. The flats above will be liable for council tax so I would assume that rateable value would go down. Does anyone have any experience of a similar situation?

 

[Paul Kelly ICHYB]

Possibly - I believe you/the owner can request revaluation.

Will there be any work done on/changes to the retail space?

Also, will you need to change the use of the space?

 

[WaveJumper]

Yes it will change, as above speak to your local rating office and get them to come down and give you some advice. As mentioned above has already mentioned check you don't need a change of use. Councils can have pretty strong views on the amount of takeaways, coffee shoos etc so do check first.