Norris and Sons in Beaulieu at risk of closure as New Forest District Council issues £13,200 business rates demand

A NEW Forest business founded almost 150 years ago could fold after a £13,000 rates demand – which the owner says he will refuse to pay.

Reginald Chester-Sterne took over Norris and Sons in 2011, with the animal feed business run by the Norris family prior to that since 1876.

Based at Palace Lane in Beaulieu, it continued operating during the Covid lockdowns due to being an agricultural business, but its fortunes have taken a dive amid the cost-of-living crisis as rising overheads combine with price hikes.

Now, as the government changes relief on business rates, Mr Chester-Sterne says he has been hit by a bill for £13,200. This is due to a previous 100% rates relief for the past two years being altered to 60% – but he says a review by the Valuation Office Agency, which gives the government advice to support taxation and benefits, has doubled the value of the properties he rents from Beaulieu Estate.

In a bid to keep his business afloat he has rescinded some of the buildings he rents, which includes a workshop and storage. This would reduce the bill by around £3,000.

But when he informed NFDC of the changes, he was told he would have to wait for the Valuation Office Agency to reinspect the land – which could take months.

Reginald told the A&T: “A couple of years ago, to help local businesses such as hospitality and retail, the government gave a 100% relief on business rates. It was a real help and assisted us through the aftermath of Covid.

“Properties were revalued in 2023 and our valuation virtually doubled. The government said it would do something to help and gave us a 60% relief. Over £13,000 is now payable – I can’t afford this. [NFDC] can take me to court.”

He added: “If I am not occupying those buildings, I shouldn’t have to pay. I’ve done everything I could to save money, I have cut staff to the minimum, but people are not spending money like they used to. To get hit with this – I will have to end up closing.”

A spokesperson for New Forest District Council told the A&T: “We’d encourage the business owner to contact us directly to discuss any issues.”