CIL question

RE: CIL question

2026-03-15T07:56:05Z

1. Renovate the property as-is to make it livable.

2. Move in

3. Apply for the 85m sqr extension with CIL extension

4. The client doesn't have to live in it for 3 years this way, as there is no CIL liability and no need for an exemption.

5. There is no 'interpretation' required. This the safest way, as CIL liabilities are treated as revenue for planning departments

RE: CIL question

2026-03-09T06:47:19Z

It might be worth discussing the case further with the local authority or a planning consultant, as situations involving demolition and rebuild can sometimes be assessed differently depending on how the project is classified. If part of the existing structure is genuinely being replaced rather than creating entirely new floorspace, there may be some room to argue the net additional area. Also, documenting the reason for temporary absence (major refurbishment and a newborn) could potentially support a case, even if it’s not a straightforward exemption. A specialist CIL run 3 online adviser may be able to review whether any relief or reclassification is possible before the liability is finalized.

RE: CIL question

2026-02-09T17:04:26Z

Can they provide evidence of lawful use of the original and therefore offset that to 0 so that only the extension is liable? They could then apply for extension relief?

What does the planning description say?

CIL question

2026-02-06T13:19:20Z

A client bought a property at auction that they were planning to live in, refurbish and extend. The refurbishment works were more extensive than expected (once a surveyor have been appointed post-auction) therefore they decided to live in temporary accommodation whilst both the refurbishment and extension takes place.

Whilst CIL reads that it should apply to extensions and new build, they are needing to rebuild 100m2 and then extending by a further 85m2. The local council view is that the new build element is 185m2, of which 100m2 is being demolished and rebuilt therefore CIL is due on 85m2.

Self build exemption seems not to apply as it is not an entirely new build property. If it did, they are committing to be in the building for 3 years following completion which is not an issue

Residential exemption requires it to currently be their main residence so that doesn't apply either as the property is currently unoccupied due to the condition (it was being lived in six months prior to their purchase but they did not want to live in a building site with a 9 month old baby which is perfectly understandable).

I have seen mention of 'temporary absence' being used an exception, but can't find any explicit details on how they might claim temporary absence. Mould etc and a new baby seems like a reasonable reason for a temporary absence, even though this absence means they have never actually lived there.

Does anyone have any suggestions that might be able to help them? The CIL payment would be £30k so not a small amount. It doesn't feel right that if they build from scratch there is an exemption, if they just added the 85m2 extension there is an exemption but because they need to also rebuild some of the existing building that exemption disappears and they are then liable to the tune of £30k.