Proposed £100 per square metre charge aims to help fund local infrastructure across the borough
Broxbourne Borough Council has launched a public consultation on plans to introduce a new Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL), a charge that would apply to smaller residential developments and generate funding for local infrastructure projects.
Under the proposal, residential schemes delivering between one and nine new homes would be subject to a levy of £100 per square metre. The Council said the measure is designed to ensure that smaller housing developments contribute towards the infrastructure demands they create, helping to support sustainable growth across the borough.
The proposed levy would apply specifically to small-scale residential developments, while larger housing schemes and other major developments would continue to make financial contributions through existing Section 106 planning agreements. Certain forms of development, including householder applications, would remain exempt from the charge.
Addressing the cumulative impact of small developments
The Council said that although individual small residential projects may have a limited effect on local services and infrastructure, their combined impact can be significant over time. The introduction of the levy is intended to provide a mechanism for securing funding from developments that traditionally do not contribute towards off-site infrastructure improvements or affordable housing provision.
Revenue generated through the levy would be used to support a range of local infrastructure projects, helping to accommodate population growth and maintain the quality of public services and facilities within the borough.
Councillor Paul Mason, Cabinet Member for Planning, highlighted the rationale behind the proposal and the need for smaller developments to make a contribution alongside larger schemes.
“These types of smaller residential developments collectively have a significant impact on the infrastructure of the borough.
By introducing a charge on developments that don’t usually make any contributions towards either off-site infrastructure or to affordable housing, the Council can help to ensure that the impacts of these small developments can be properly mitigated.”
The proposed charging schedule forms part of the Council’s broader planning and infrastructure strategy, which seeks to balance housing delivery with investment in essential community facilities and services.
Public consultation now underway
The Council is currently consulting on the draft charging schedule and the evidence that supports the proposed levy. Residents, developers, landowners and other stakeholders are being invited to review the proposals and submit their views before the consultation period closes.
The consultation represents an important stage in the process of introducing a Community Infrastructure Levy. Before the charge can be implemented, the draft schedule must undergo independent examination by a planning examiner during a public examination process.
Following the examination, the levy would still require formal approval by Broxbourne Borough Council before it could be adopted and brought into effect.
Community Infrastructure Levies are used by local authorities across England as a means of securing funding for infrastructure required to support new development. Funds raised can contribute towards projects such as transport improvements, education facilities, healthcare provision, public open spaces and other community infrastructure.
Broxbourne Council believes the proposed approach will help ensure that all residential developments, regardless of size, make an appropriate contribution to the infrastructure needed to support growth within the borough.
Consultation deadline set for July 2026
The consultation on the draft Community Infrastructure Levy charging schedule is open now and will remain available until 5pm on Monday 20 July 2026.
Residents and interested parties can review the proposals, supporting documents and submit responses through the Council’s consultation portal.
For further information and to participate in the consultation, visit the Broxbourne Borough Council website at www.broxbourne.gov.uk/cil.
The Council will consider all feedback received before progressing the proposed levy through the next stages of examination and approval.
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