A Stitch in Time Saves Nine – CIL by Numbers!

That was the message which came through loud and clear at E³ Consulting’s latest webinar, aimed at unravelling the complexities of the Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) for private clients, housing developers and project advisors.

The presentation and discussion with a multi-disciplinary panel of speakers – titled Practical Challenges that Developers and Private Clients Face – laid bare the need to proactively manage development projects to minimise risk and avoid unnecessary charges and interest.

But it also revealed the significant savings which could be made if early advice is taken to ensure the right steps are taken at the right time in the planning process to gain the available relief or exemption, as may be applicable.

Webinar host and panel discussion chairman Colin Peacock said in conclusion at the end of the event: “I was rather hoping that I was going to get a DIY guide as to how to solve CIL for myself.

“What I realised is that I know more now than I did at the beginning, but I also know that I’m never going to try and manage this alone. But what I now also know is that there are a number of people there to help me in the future.” Colin, co-founder and Director of Swallowfield Homes Ltd, is CEO/Clerk of the Worshipful Company of Chartered Surveyors and former chair of the Property Marketing Awards.

Other experts were Thrings LLP Senior Associate Solicitor Matt Gilks, Studio McLeod founder and Principal Duncan McLeod, Principal Practitioner at Tanner & Tilley Planning Consultants Helen Rosier and E³ Consulting Managing Director Alun Oliver FRICS.

Matt opened the webinar with a presentation which included an overview of CIL, cases in the courts, recent appeals and new regulations.

Duncan gave an architectural practice’s perspective with case studies and examples of when expert advice would be required.

Helen led a whistle-stop tour through CIL compliance in the planning process, common mistakes to avoid and useful case studies with an emphasis on the importance of getting applications right.

Alun drilled down into the rigid procedures and complex regulations of CIL – including how the numbers are calculated and when a project can qualify for relief or exemption with case study examples.

And he stressed the need not to jump the gun and commence a project without having relief or an exemption in writing from the local planning authority.

Alun concluded his presentation by saying: “CIL is a very complex and rigid procedural process.

“The intention from this webinar was make sure that those attending were forewarned and forearmed.

“Much of the process is very time sensitive. We see a lot of situations where people procrastinate and don’t deal with it at the earliest opportunity so our message is very much ‘deal with it now, deal with it early’.

“The earlier you deal with it, the more options there are. Do ask questions and do seek advice early. 

“If you get it right you can make some very significant savings but sadly a lot of situations lead to costly errors and for the vast majority of those costly errors - the opportunity for relief is lost forever!”

Developers, housebuilders, property professionals, solicitors, surveyors, architects, planning consultants and private clients were among those to attend the webinar. 

The panel took questions in a discussion following the presentations, with subjects including custom-build projects, issues facing registered social housing providers and local planning authority policies.

Alun said: “Many thanks to all those who attended and to our excellent guest speakers for the time they took to prepare, present and share their expertise. We hope the webinar was of value and interest, and we look forward to hosting our next property tax event soon - so watch this space.”

Slides and a video of the webinar are available on request from E³ Consulting. Please call 0345 230 6450 or email hello@e3consulting.co.uk for copies or for advice about CIL.