Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL)

Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL)

Community Infrastructure Levy Regulations came into being on 6th April 2010. This is a planning charge (introduced by the Planning Act 2008) to assist local authorities in England and Wales to deliver infrastructure in their areas. The levy is charged to new developments and is designed to support the funding of infrastructure in the local community and parish or town council where development takes place.

You can find out more about CIL and how it operates by following this link:

Community Infrastructure Levy - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

CIL aims to encourage local development, and make sure the region’s infrastructure can cope with new homes and businesses being built. It is payable on permitted development, as well as planning permission development. Mid Suffolk District Council (MSDC) is responsible for adopting a CIL Charging Schedule that sets out the rate per square metre for charged developments which is payable on commencement of the development. MSDC is responsible for collecting the levy and distributing it to local communities.

You can find out more about how MSDC manage CIL funding by following this link:

CIL Guidance » Babergh Mid Suffolk

CIL in Needham Market

The proportion of CIL received by MSDC for chargeable developments in our town, which is then passed on to the local community, is 25%. This higher proportion results from having an adopted Neighbourhood Plan (communities without a Neighbourhood Plan receive 15%.) Needham Market Town Council is responsible for deciding how the 25% of CIL received is to be spent locally. That spending is guided by the Needham Market Neighbourhood Plan which sets out aspirations and intentions relating to future development.  Spending of CIL funds must form part of one of the following criteria:

• The provision, improvement, replacement, operation or maintenance of infrastructure
• Anything else that is concerned with addressing the demands that development places on an area

In the recent past, CIL funding has contributed to the following Town Council projects/procurement:

• Extending the pavilion on Crowley Park to improve its sustainability and provide a youth venue run by The Mix.
• Reinstate the Younger Children’s Play area adjacent to the Community Centre.
• Maintenance at the former gas works site off Crown Street.
• Resurfacing the Older Children’s Play area at Crowley Park.
• Replacement flower containers for the High Street.
• Surface repairs to Crowley Park car park.
• Purchasing grit bins.

The Town Council has now set its priorities for future CIL spending over the short to medium term and the details of this can be found in the Community Infrastructure Investment Plan (CIIP). The plan was adopted by Town Council on 19.07.2023 and subsequently submitted to MSDC. You can find the plan to download below.