Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL)

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What is CIL?

The Community Infrastructure Levy (called ‘the levy’ or ‘CIL’) allows local planning authorities to raise funds from developers who are undertaking new building projects in their area. The funds raised will go towards infrastructure that is needed to support the growth of the city, such as schools and transport improvements.

CIL is applied as a charge on each square metre of new building, and will be payable by most developments in Bristol. It replaces a number of existing Section 106 contributions. Planning obligations will continue to be used for site specific requirements under the revised Planning Obligations Supplementary Planning Document (pdf, 1.4 MB) (opens new window).

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When did it come into effect?

The CIL Charging Schedule came into effect on January 1, 2013. It applies to all development permitted after this date.

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Is my application proposal liable for CIL?

Not all development is liable for CIL. Please refer to Guidance Note 1 – is development liable for CIL? (pdf, 34 KB) (opens new window)

The following types of planning applications are liable:

  • All development containing at least 100 square metres of new build (extra floorspace).
  • Development of less than 100 square metres of new build that results in the creation of a new dwelling.
  • The conversion of a building that is no longer in lawful use (see Guidance Note 1).

If you are uncertain whether your proposal is liable for CIL, you should submit a CIL Question Form with your application (see below). We can then work out whether CIL is payable or not.

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My planning application is liable for CIL, what do I need to do now?

See Guidance Note 6 - Process Guidance (pdf, 42 KB) (opens new window) for details of the CIL process. You must submit the CIL Question Form with your application if your proposal is liable for CIL. Your planning application will not be made valid until we have your CIL Question form.

CIL Question Form - to submit with planning application

CIL Question Form Guidance Note - will help you complete the form.

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How much will I have to pay?

Eligible developments that receive planning permission from January 1, 2013 will be charged in accordance with the rates set out in the CIL Charging schedule. (pdf, 1.3 MB) (opens new window)The amount payable is calculated when planning permission is granted. Here are some examples of CIL rates in different scenarios: Guidance Note 7 - Calculation Examples (pdf, 55 KB) (opens new window).

In some cases, exemptions, relief or payment in instalments are allowable, as per the guidance below:

Exemptions and relief from CIL

Payment Instalment Policy 

Guidance Note 5 - CIL Instalment Policy (pdf, 29 KB) (opens new window)

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If my application is granted, what happens next?

Liability Notice: We will issue a Liability Notice with the planning Notice of Decision. This says how much CIL is payable.

The following must be completed prior to commencement of development

  • Assumption of Liability Notice: The person(s) responsible for paying CIL must send us an Assumption of Liability Notice before commencement. If not, the charge will default to the owner of the land and there may be additional costs. If you are submitting an application and will be responsible for paying the CIL, you can submit this Notice with the CIL Question Form.
  • Commencement Notice: This must be sent to us with the date that development will commence. If we do not receive a Commencement Notice a penalty will be added and full payment will be due immediately.
  • Claim for relief form: Must be submitted prior to commencement.
  • Demand Notice: The council will then issue a Demand Notice for the CIL payment.

Forms

Permitted Development

In rare cases, permitted development (that is development which does not require planning permission) may be of sufficient scale to be liable to CIL. You must serve a Notice of Chargeable Development on us before the development is commenced. The CIL charge is then calculated and applied as though planning permission had been issued.

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What happens if I do not pay the charge?

Unlike Section 106 obligations, CIL payment is mandatory and non-negotiable. If you do not pay on time;

  • you will be subject to a penalty without further notification
  • any agreement for you to pay by instalments will be withdrawn

There are strong enforcement powers and penalties for failure to pay, including Stop Notices, surcharges and prison terms. Further information is available in Guidance Note 8 - CIL Penalties and Surcharges. (pdf, 39 KB) (opens new window)

Appeals

You can appeal against the council's decision in relation to your CIL liability. Please note that appeals must be made within 60 days of the Liability Notice being issued. Appeals can only be made after you have formally asked us to recalculate the CIL amount.

CIL appeal advice can be found on the Planning Portal - CIL Appeals. 

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What will CIL monies be spent on?

We have produced a list of infrastructure, known as a Regulation 123 List (pdf, 4.2 MB) (opens new window). This sets out what we intend to spend CIL monies on.

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How was CIL adopted in Bristol?

The CIL Charging Schedule went through a number of stages prior to approval, including an independent examination.

There is more information on the CIL Examination Web Page.

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Contact Information

Jim Cliffe, Planning Obligations Manager (0117) 903 6724. jim.cliffe@bristol.gov.uk

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Further information

Date for review:  14/11/2013 | Short link: http://www.bristol.gov.uk/node/9238
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