What is a Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL)?
The CIL allows local authorities in England and Wales to raise funds from developers carrying out projects in their area to fund a wide range of infrastructure that is needed to support new development. It does not replace Section 106 planning obligations which continue to be used for affordable housing provision and site-specific mitigation measures which are necessary to make a planning application acceptable in planning terms.
How is the charge calculated?
CIL is calculated on a square meter basis and each Authority has its own charging schedule (see below) which states the rates for different types and scales of development.
Anyone applying for planning permission for any of the following would complete a CIL additional Information form and submit it alongside their application for planning permission.
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New buildings, conversions or changes of use that create at least one new dwelling; or
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Residential extensions or annexes which increase the floor area of a dwelling by 100 square metres or more.
Some types of development are exempt, such as buildings into which people do not normally go, or go only intermittently for the purpose of maintaining or inspecting machinery or temporary planning permissions. There are some types of development, for example self-build housing, extensions, annexes and social housing, for which relief may be claimed.
What portion does the Parish Council receive?
Falfield Parish Council would receive 15% of any Community Infrastructure Levy (or CIL) secured from development by South Gloucestershire Councill where that development has taken place within the Parish, this is known as the Neighbourhood Fund.
What can the Parish Council’s portion be spent on?
CIL monies can be spent on the provision, improvement, replacement, operation or maintenance of infrastructure, or anything else that is concerned with addressing demands that development places on an area. This gives communities freedom and power to spend the money on a wide range of things, in consultation with the community.
The wider definition means that the neighbourhood funding pot can be spent on things other than infrastructure (as defined in the Community Infrastructure Levy regulations). For example, the pot could be used to fund affordable housing where it would support the development of the area by addressing the demands that development places on the area.
Where community priorities for infrastructure are the same as those of the local authority, for example if they are agreed a new school or road is needed, the community can agree that the local authority will keep all or part of the 15% funding element to ensure maximum funding is enabled.
Is there any time limit on when CIL money must be spent?
Yes any CIL money not spent by the Parish Council within five years of receipt must be handed back to South Gloucestershire Council.