Client: Shanks Waste Solutions

Technological change within the waste processing sector has left many first generation plants unsuited to modern requirements. The Rechem incineration plant near Pontypool had been one of very few in Britain which had the facilities to dispose of hazardous materials from abroad, but it was decommissioned - although not demolished - in 2002. The only remaining building in use on the site is a laboratory, used to test water conditions.

Following the introduction of empty rates legislation in April 2008, Shanks faced a significant rates bill of £116,500 which it asked our rating surveyors to address.

The solution
The Valuation Office had assessed the plant as a vacant industrial unit, and had applied comparable evidence from nearby industrial units in the site’s valuation. We persuaded the VO that the plant is incapable of beneficial use and the assessment should be taken off the rating list with effect from 1 April 2008.

Results
The removal of the assessment saved Shanks £237,000 in empty rates payments.