SMEs across South Bristol may be able to claim temporary reductions on their business rates due to prolonged congestion caused by multiple roadworks.
Rating specialists at Bruton Knowles’ Great George Street office are standing by to advise small businesses across the southern half of the city what they can claim against when a broad front of major roadworks kick off early in the New Year.
Bristol team leader Paul Matthews said: “The city council has announced another round of major roadworks on the principal routes into the town centre which are due to last anything up to 18 months.
“Works on Hartcliffe Way, the East Street-West Street Sheene Road junction in Bedminster and the major re-working of the Temple Circus Roundabout will cause disruption to the operation of many business premises in the affected areas.
“Trade can be affected by reductions in customer visits, time delays on deliveries and staff movements.
“Traffic heading South will be diverted onto previously quiet side roads through areas like Novers Hill, and businesses either side of the Hartcliffe Way are likely to be affected.
“We have acted for clients in the past on Material Change of Circumstances, including building works and road works – which can result in temporary business rates reductions.
“If occupiers are affected operationally or functionally then we could be making appeals on their behalf.”
The rating team operates under the appropriate RICS Guidance and follows the Rating Consultancy Code of Practice.
Paul Matthews said delays to the completion of the South Bristol Link Road had not helped the situation.
“The South Bristol Link Road is reportedly not going to be completed before the end of the year, meaning thousands of vehicles will be trying to find their way into the City Centre via the few remaining routes, which are all heavily congested.
“It would have been preferable to postpone the other roadworks until the link road is live, giving alternative routes for traffic.