Business Rates - similar use, same building but big difference. Why?

[3CD]

Can anyone help on this one? We haver taken over a small business (fitness centre) this is in a larger building (a rugby club house) and is leased from them. The rent in 2008 was £10000 pa. We have half the first floor for an office, changing rooms, reception area, studio and gym, total area 350 sqm. The other half of the first floor belongs to the rugby club and has an office, reception area, changing rooms and a bar/conference centre/kitchen, total area 350 sqm Both premises were valued by the VOA in April 2014. We are valued at £16250, the other half of the first floor is valued at £7000.

 

At first sight, this seems horribly iniquitous (as well as putting us at a major disadvantage relative to other local fitness centres) and I'm trying to work up to the formalities needed to contest this. But before I start, am I missing something obvious… is there a reason that I don't know about which will explain the discrepancy?

[Coughdrop]

It may be they are eligible for a small business relief or similar. There's some information and helpful links here:

 

http://www.bournemouth.gov.uk/Business/BusinessRates/FrequentlyAskedQuestionsaboutBusinessRates.aspx

[3CD]

Thanks for the reply and the link. However, as their total RV is in the region of £25K they aren't eligible for any small business relief. They do get charity status but this only applies to what they actually pay… not what they are valued at. So I'm still at a loss to understand!