CIL applicable?

[Jammy5]

How do I know if CIL is applicable?

 

My new build is in Cumbria under Allerdale County Council (or now Cumberland council).

 

Is there a way to check if this council is using the scheme?

 

Thanks,

 

Jamie

[Bonner]

They will serve you a liability notice at some point but you can check on their website. 

[Big Jimbo]

Defo, best to try and find out from either the council, or there website. You don't want to fall foul of Cil.

[Russell griffiths]

Call them it’s that easy. 
then get an exemption form. 

[Jammy5]

I just didn't want to poke the bear if that makes sense.

 

I asked building control and he said it wasn't applicable but I'd like something in writing from them just in case?

[-rick-]

18 minutes ago, Jammy5 said:

I just didn't want to poke the bear if that makes sense.

 

Understandable with many things but not CIL. If CIL is applicable then it's applicable and as a self builder you need to take action before construction starts to get your exemption. This forum unfortunately has multiple cases of people not taking action early enough and getting caught with huge bills. Confirm with the council before you start anything, getting this wrong could be the biggest unplanned cost in your project.

[Bonner]

4 hours ago, Jammy5 said:

I just didn't want to poke the bear if that makes sense.

 

I asked building control and he said it wasn't applicable but I'd like something in writing from them just in case?

Nothing to do with building control, call your planning department and follow up by email for written confirmation 

[BadgerBodger]

As @Bonner said. My LCC status was seriously unclear and various policies indicated that there was intent to apply it after a certain date (which had passed prior to my planning). 
 

I emailed the council (planning dept.) asking for their fee structure and got a clear and simple answer saying that there was none as they were not yet applying CIL

[Jammy5]

Thank you will ask the question and report back.

 

Building control said something about 9 homes in a development but I suspect he was off piste and misunderstood

[Temp]

On 16/01/2026 at 12:20, Jammy5 said:

I just didn't want to poke the bear if that makes sense.

 

I asked building control and he said it wasn't applicable but I'd like something in writing from them just in case?

 

Sorry if you know this but..

 

If the CIL is a thing in your area you normally have to formally claim any exemption on specific forms at the right stage or you can lose it with no way to get it back.

[Jammy5]

I know, hence a slight concern as I've already started 🙂

 

I think it's not capped at 20% if you apply for a exemption late, does anyone know what the value is to pay due to CIL (roughly appreciating it's different everywhere) and if the 20% is correct?

[Russell griffiths]

What do you mean late. 
if you have started building then it’s too late, you pay it all. 
exemption needed before work starts. 

unless your area doesn’t do cil. 
 

as far as I’m aware, is there a get out of jail card if you have started. 

Edited January 18 by Russell griffiths

[Jammy5]

I don't know now I've read another councils CIL as I can't find one for mine talks about relief. I was thinking this was retrospective relief and I could have sworn I'd seen something saying about 20%. I'm likely wrong though as I'm not experience with this.

 

Looking online I don't think my council have a CIL but I will email their planning to confirm. 

[Redbeard]

11 minutes ago, Jammy5 said:

Looking online I don't think my council have a CIL but I will email their planning to confirm. 

 

As others have said, too late if they do, as you have already started, but I had a look on their site too and they don't *seem* to have one.

 

On the other hand probably quite a few LAs have websites which are unclear w.r.t. the CIL. I have only had experience of one, but that was not abundantly clear. Even that is fine if you can get to speak to a human (with the right knowledge) but it can be so hard actually to get to speak to someone...

Edited January 18 by Redbeard
emphasis

[Jammy5]

I forgot I knew someone at the council. I messaged them and they've confirmed it doesn't apply to our borough. I'll still get something in writing though, thanks all

[BohoMT]

I've just been looking at this in Cornwall. A recent planning application was granted for the demolition of a 2 bed bungalow, to be replaced with a 4 bed 2 storey house, footprint area was increased by circa 20% I'd guess. The bill for CIL is just under £50k (Bungalow was purchased for circa £280k). The CIL rate per m2 is £495 and it seems that deductions for demolitions can be made.

 

The letter (available on the planning portal and dated 2nd September 2025 - Planning was granted in January 2025) states:-

"We calculated this figure using the formula below as set out in Schedule 1 of the CIL Regulations

2010 (as amended): The CIL Total Area Charge = Chargeable Area (A) x Rate (R) x Index (I)

The Chargeable Area is the gross internal area of the total development less the floorspace of any

existing buildings which are eligible deduction.

To be eligible for deduction, the existing buildings must be situated on the relevant land

on the day planning permission first permits the chargeable development and be 'In Use'.

A building is defined as being 'In Use' if part of the building has been in continuous use for a period

of at least six months within the period of three years ending on the day planning permission first

permits the chargeable development."

 

The developer has had issues with access and now CIL and has placed the property back on the market, untouched but now with Planning.

I havent read the exemptions or relief aspects of the Cornwall Council plans yet.