Valuation Office Agency
1.1This section of the Rating Manual covers all retail warehouses whether adapted or converted buildings or purpose-built. It also applies to bulky goods retail warehouses situated on retail parks, and retail warehouses with open A1 planning consent. The definition applies equally to stand-alone solus retail warehouses, as well as those situated on trading estates or shopping parks.
1.2The retail warehouse class includes all non-food retail units and non-distinct food retail units (see paragraph 1.3 below) without restriction to size. Generally their construction identifies a greater visual similarity to warehousing than to that of standard shop units. They can be distinguished from property including department stores and standalone food stores. Retail warehouses typically comprise a single floor, the majority of which is devoted to sales, with some ancillary storage and office use.
1.3Historically, foodstore operators have held a limited presence on retail warehouse parks. The sale of groceries has generally been restricted by conditions attached to A1 planning consents under The Town and Country Planning (Use Classes) Order 1987 (as amended). For a foodstore operator to occupy space on a retail park, planning permission is typically sought for a relaxed non-restrictive A1 planning consent, enabling the sale of groceries. This may be in the form of an application for the lifting of an existing restriction where the unit was formerly occupied by a non-food operator, or in the case of a new development, a non-restrictive A1 use being granted from the outset. The Town and Country Planning (Use Classes) (Amendment) (England) Regulations 2020, and further amendments to the Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) (England) Order 2015, confirm retail warehouses fall within Class E. This enables them to offer a wide range of retail and lifestyle goods which in turn attract a wide range of custom. There may still be restrictions on the types of goods sold, or the amount of space devoted to certain products (e.g., bulky white goods or food).
1.4Where a food operator occupies a distinct unit on or at the periphery of a retail warehouse park, the valuer should consult the Class Co-ordination Lead within the National Valuation Unit (NVU) for further advice and guidance.
1.5Retail warehouses may be sited singly or grouped together, most frequently at fringe or out-of-town locations. The provision of car parking is often extensive and typically shared, as is the case at retail parks.
1.6This section does not deal with Factory Outlet Villages (SCAT 097(S)). These are covered in the Rating Manual: Section 5a: Valuation of all Property Classes Factory Outlet Villages.
1.7This section does not deal with Hypermarkets and Superstores (SCAT 139(S)).These are covered in the Rating Manual: Section 5a: Valuation of all Property Classes Hypermarkets and Superstores.
1.8This section does not deal with Large Shops (SCAT 155(S)). These are covered in the Rating Manual: Section 5a: Valuation of all Property Classes Large Shops.