CIL exemptions, relief and exceptional circumstances

Exemptions, relief and exceptional circumstances policy

The community infrastructure levy (CIL) is a charge on development, calculated on a £ per square metre (sq.m) basis of development.

CIL is intended to be used to help fund infrastructure to support the development of an area rather than making an individual planning application acceptable in planning terms, which is the purpose of section 106 agreements. CIL does not fully replace Section 106 Agreements.

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The amount of CIL calculated for a given development is non-negotiable, however the Community Infrastructure Levy Regulations 2010 (as amended) contains provisions that allow for certain types of exemptions or relief from paying the full CIL amount. Depending on the nature of the development, the following forms of relief or exemption may be available:

  • minor development exemption
  • mandatory charitable relief
  • discretionary charitable relief
  • mandatory social housing relief
  • discretionary social housing relief
  • self build exemption (for a dwelling)
  • self build exemption (for a residential annexe or a residential extension)
  • exceptional circumstances relief

Please see the planning practice guidance on CIL for more information on each of these types of relief or exemption.