Planning changes brings borough benefits
On 1 April 2015 Camden Council introduced a Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) for the borough.
CIL is a charge which will be paid by property developers that enables local councils to raise funds for infrastructure projects to meet the needs arising from any new developments. The money raised will be used to fund things such as schools, community facilities, transport improvements, some of which are currently funded by money paid by developers under Section 106 obligations.
CIL has been introduced to provide developers with greater certainty about the financial contributions they will be expected to make to the council for the local infrastructure as a part of any new developments. The CIL will apply to most developments which add one or more units of housing or more than 100sqm of floor space, and which are granted planning permission after 1 April 2015.
“We need development in Camden to deliver the jobs, homes and facilities that local people need, but we also expect developers to contribute financially to improving the local community.
“We’ve introduced the new levy so developers help us fund much needed improvements to Camden’s schools, leisure facilities, transport infrastructure and parks.
“There will also be a local system on a ward by ward basis for investing some of the money in community projects. This will be led by ward councillors and provide a good opportunity for local groups and neighbourhood forums to put forward ideas.”
Camden Council undertook a detailed analysis to investigate what level of Community Infrastructure Levy could be charged in in the borough without deterring new developments from coming forward, whilst also ensuring sufficient funds are raised to provide the infrastructure to meet Camden’s future needs.
This took into account Camden’s affordable housing policy, mixed use policy and sustainability requirements for both commercial and residential developments.
For more information on how the CIL system will operate please see the CIL pages on the Camden website at www.camden.gov.uk/cil