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Home Glossary CIL
Planning noun

CIL

/sill/

Also known as: Community Infrastructure Levy, CIL charge, planning levy, infrastructure levy

The Community Infrastructure Levy - a charge that local planning authorities in England and Wales can impose on new development to help fund local infrastructure such as roads, schools, and open spaces. CIL is calculated based on the net additional floorspace created and the local authority's adopted charging schedule.

CIL applies to most new residential development and some commercial development where the local authority has adopted a charging schedule. Householder extensions under 100sqm net additional internal floor area are exempt. Self-builders can apply for a self-build exemption, which must be claimed before work starts. Failure to notify the authority of a CIL liability can result in surcharges and loss of instalment rights.

Community Infrastructure Levy Regulations 2010

Residential extension exemptionUnder 100sqm net additional floor area
Self-build exemptionMust be claimed before work starts
Calculated onNet additional internal floor area
Paid toLocal planning authority

CIL rates vary significantly between local authorities. Some areas have not adopted a CIL charging schedule. Always check with the LPA early in the design process as CIL can represent a significant development cost.