CA22120 - PMA: Buildings & structures: Cold stores

A refrigerated building, which is used as a cold store, may be incapable of an independent existence as a building. That is, it may consist of a refrigeration unit plus a framework and the framework may be incapable of a separate existence as a building. In that case the whole is effectively a large fridge that qualifies as plant. The taxpayer can claim whichever allowance (IBA or plant and machinery) is preferred. However, where the building houses an insulated `box’, which provides the insulation, and the building, is capable of an independent existence, it is only the insulated box within the building or structure that qualifies as plant or machinery. The building itself qualifies for IBA.