The answer to this question is probably yes, in some way. How much will really depend on what type of project you’re doing and where the project is located. In this article we’ll walk you through the basic principals of CIL and look at how it may affect your planning permission.
CIL stands for Community Infrastructure Levy and was officially introduced in April 2010. Since then, Local planning authorities have had the choice to impose the levy to raise funds from developments' for new infrastructure such as; schools, roads, hospitals and leisure facilities.
Your building project will be liable for CIL if:
CIL will be charged per square meter, depending on the location of your project. As an example the rates for Cornwall Council range from £0 - £400 per square metre depending on where in Cornwall the development is taking place. Detailed information regarding the Charging Schedule will be available through your relevant planning authority - Cornwall's can be found here.
You should be thinking about CIL at the very beginning of your project as it could have a significant financial impact. We’d recommend discussing it with your design team early on to get their specific knowledge regarding the charges in your local authority area as these can vary dramatically.
Once you have plans ready to be submitted for planning permission there are several stages to the CIL process:
(Please note there are links to relevant documents throughout this section, these are for planning applications in England.)
It is also worth mentioning that CIL can apply to certain proposals allowed under Permitted Development. So even if you don't require planning permission CIL charges may still apply if the proposal meets the criteria for liable developments. If this applies to you it’s worth checking with the relevant planning authority about which forms need to be submitted.
If your building project is liable for CIL you may still be able to apply for relief or exemption. Relief or exemptions aren’t automatically applied so it’s important that all relevant forms are completed.
Projects that may be eligible for relief or exemption include:
Self-builds are the most relevant exemption category for our clients and may very well apply to your project. `Self Build' for the purposes of CIL exemption is defined as all homes built or commissioned by individuals or groups of individuals for their own use, either by building the home on their own or working with builders. This is likely to apply to you if you’re doing work to your current home or about to embark on a new build to live in yourself.
You must also occupy the building as your principal residence for a minimum of three years after the work is complete. So if you’re looking to do the work, and then move on, this maybe an important consideration.
There is (of course!) more paperwork to fill out if you’re applying for self-build exemption. The forms vary depending on whether you’re constructing a new dwelling, extension or annexe and they must be submitted and approved by the planning authority before work commences on site.
Need help with CIL or have questions about how we can help manage the process? Get in touch.