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Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL)

About the CIL and how we calculate it. Apply for the CIL. Non-compliance charges. Appealing a CIL decision. How we invest CIL funds in Southwark.

Process and forms

View the standard CIL process flowchart.

Download all forms and read CIL guidance at the Planning Portal.

Stage 1: Provide additional CIL information

Submit your planning application in the usual way.

Complete 'Form 1: CIL Additional Information' so we can estimate the levy based on the development's floorspace.

If you're applying for permission under permitted development (or under 'general consent'), CIL is still payable. Use 'Form 5: Notice of Chargeable Development' before work starts. The only exemption is when the new build floorspace is less than 100 square metres and does not include a dwelling. 

Stage 2: After permission is granted

When permission is granted, complete 'Form 2: Assumption of Liability Notice' and tell us who will pay the levy before works start on site. 

If you withdraw or need to transfer CIL liability, use:

  • 'Form 3: Withdrawal of Assumption of Liability' 
  • 'Form 4: Transfer of Assumed Liability '

Stage 3: Get a liability notice

We'll issue a liability notice to landowners and interested parties, unless you have already submitted CIL Form 2 (Assumption of Liability Notice) prior.

If your scheme is varied with material changes, then a separate CIL liability notice will be issued after the Section 73 (s73) consent has been obtained. This is because CIL Regulations define a s73 consent as a separate CIL chargeable development.

Stage 4: Claim relief or an exemption

You can apply for an exception to the CIL for:

  • social housing developments (use 'Form 10: Charitable/and or Social Housing Relief Claim') 
  • charitable developments provided by a charity for charitable purposes on charity owned land (use 'Form 10: Charitable/and or Social Housing Relief Form') 
  • self-build developments (use 'Form 7: Self Build Exemption Form Part 1')
  • self-build residential extensions (use 'Form 9: Residential Extension Exemption Claim Form') 
  • self-build residential annexes (use 'Form 8: Residential Annex Exemption Claim Form') 

Claim forms and required evidence must be submitted to cil.s106@southwark.gov.uk before development starts, including demolition.

If any relief is granted, you will receive a revised liability notice from us. We'll also issue you with a relief claim decision notice.

If your development ceases to be used for charity or eligible affordable housing within seven years from the start, we can demand repayment of any relief paid. This relief clawback will also happen if liability is withdrawn or transferred after social housing relief has been granted.

For annexes there is a clawback period of three years following completion if a disqualifying event occurs: 

  • the use of the main dwelling for any purpose other than as a single dwelling 
  • the letting of the residential annex 
  • the sale of the main dwelling or residential annexe separately 

The same clawback period exists for self-build housing when:

  • there's a change to the housing that means it cannot meet the definition of self-build housing (for example no longer using the dwelling as a sole or main house)
  • there's a failure to submit required documentation within six months of completion 
  • the dwelling or communal areas are let
  • the dwelling is sold
  • communal areas are sold

Stage 5: Tell us when work starts

Complete 'Form 6: Commencement Notice' and make sure we receive it at least 1 day before your work starts. If you don't, you could face a fine of either £2,500 or 20% of the chargeable amount (whichever is lower). We define starting work as:

  • erecting a building 
  • demolishing a building 
  • digging a trench 
  • laying underground pipes or mains 
  • any operation to construct a road or any change in the use of land that is classed as material development

Stage 6: Pay the levy

We'll send you a demand notice which lists:

  • who is liable
  • how much they are liable for
  • late interests or surcharges
  • the dates on which the payments or instalments are due

Stage 7: File completion forms

If you are a self-builder who has got an exemption on the development, complete 'Form 7: Self Build Exemption Claim Form - Part 2'. Include proof of:

  • completion (building control compliance/completion certificate) 
  • ownership (title and deeds) 
  • occupation of the dwelling (a Council Tax certificate and 2 further proofs of evidence such as a utility bill or bank statement) 

You will also need to provide: 

  • an approved HMRC claim for a VAT refund for DIY housebuilders 
  • a self-build warranty 
  • an approved self-build mortgage 

If you don't submit the form and evidence within 6 months of finishing the development, you will lose the exemption. Then, you must pay the full liable amount.