Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL)

Stage 3: Applying for relief (Applicant) and determining relief (Council)

Stage 3a. Applying for relief and exemption (Applicant)

In some cases, developments may be eligible for relief or exemption from CIL. This is not automatically applied by the Council and you must make an application using the relevant forms and by submitting supporting information and/or evidence.

To apply for relief or exemption, you must have assumed liability to pay CIL on the chargeable development. You must also apply for relief and have received written notification that it has been granted before development commences. Failure to do so will mean that the Council cannot issue relief or exemption and the full CIL liability will be payabe. Other conditions apply in relation to relief and exemptions.

Type of relief and exemption include: 

  • social housing relief
  • charitable relief
  • self build exemption – whole house
  • self build exemption – residential annex
  • self build exemption – residential extension

See the Planning Portal and the National Planning Practice Guidance for further information relating to CIL Relief and Exemptions.

3b. Determining relief and exemption (Council)

We will consider your application for relief or exemption, and write to let you know whether it has been approved or refused. If necessary, a revised CIL Liability Notice may be issued.

Subject to relief being granted, the Council will record the details of the relief on the Land Charges Register. Relief will be subject to clawback for a set period, meaning that if a disqualifying event occurs, then CIL will be payable. For example, if a social/affordable housing dwelling (having received relief) is sold within 7 years as a market house, then CIL will be due. Or if a residential annex which has received exemption is sold or let separately to the main residential property within 3 years, then CIL will be due.

See the Appeals page for further details on CIL appeals relating to relief and exemptions.

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