What is the Community Infrastructure Levy?
The Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) is a planning charge that applies in England and Wales. It was introduced by the Planning Act 2008 and is levied by councils when planning permission is granted for most types of new building. Not all councils charge CIL, but where they do, rates can range from around £10 per square metre to over £575 per square metre, so the total bill on a new home can easily run into tens of thousands of pounds.
The money raised goes towards local infrastructure costs such as schools, flood defences, healthcare facilities, parks and leisure centres.
Any new dwelling or extension of more than 100 square metres gross internal floor area is likely to incur a CIL charge where a council operates a CIL regime. Check with your local authority early in your planning process, before you commit to buying a plot.
The good news for self builders is that an exemption exists. But it must be applied for correctly, and the process is time-sensitive and unforgiving.
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