Some retailers have refused to pay part of their service charge to Westfield in a stand-off between shopkeepers and the property developer over its decision to increase fees at the Westfield shopping mall just days after the £1.6bn retail centre opened.

Next, the fashion chain, is one of the retailers that is refusing to pay part of its service charge after Westfield, having given a guide for the annual cost of £8.50 a sq ft, increased that figure to about £14 a sq ft, making it one of the most expensive shopping centre fees in the UK.

It is thought that Next will only agree to pay the original guide price.

Another big retailer, which asked not to be named, also refused to pay the full amount.

Financial Times