West Oxfordshire District Council has formally approved the introduction of a Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL), helping to ensure that new development in the district contributes to the services and facilities that communities need most.
CIL is a fixed charge placed on certain types of new development, based on floorspace. It will help fund essential infrastructure such as roads, schools, green spaces and community facilities. It will work alongside existing Section 106 agreements, giving the Council more flexibility in how it secures and allocates funding to support growth.
Importantly, a proportion of CIL funding will go directly to the town or parish council where the development takes place. This will help ensure decisions on how money is spent reflect local priorities and benefit the communities most directly affected by new development
Councillor Hugo Ashton, Executive Member for Planning, said:
“I am delighted that the Council’s CIL Charging Schedule has now been formally approved. CIL is a key tool to help ensure new development is supported by the infrastructure communities need, and that local people have a say in how funding is used. We’re committed to delivering sustainable, well-supported growth across the district, and CIL is an important part of that.”
The Charging Schedule was approved by an independent examiner in July, following a public hearing, subject to a key modification to reduce the proposed rate for larger residential developments of 250 or more homes from £225 to £150 per square metre. This excludes defined strategic development areas which are exempt from CIL due to their high Section 106 costs.
With Full Council’s approval, the Charging Schedule will come into effect on 31 January 2026. From this date, eligible planning permissions granted will be subject to CIL charges.
The Council is now preparing the final steps needed for implementation, including a CIL Implementation Plan and further guidance for developers, residents, and town and parish councils. This will set out how CIL will be collected, how exemptions will apply, and how decisions about spending will be made.
Contact Information
West Oxfordshire District Council Communications Team
communications@westoxon.gov.uk
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