CIL Regulations in Nottinghamshire: A Practical Guide for Self-Builders

If you are planning to build your own home in Nottinghamshire, understanding the Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) is essential. Many self-builders either overpay, miss exemptions, or fall foul of procedural rules—not because the system is complex in principle, but because it is rigid in process.

This guide sets out how CIL works across Nottinghamshire, how self-build exemptions operate, and the exact steps required to remain compliant.

What is CIL?

The Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) is a charge that local authorities can impose on new development to help fund infrastructure such as roads, schools, and community facilities.

In Nottinghamshire, CIL is not applied uniformly. Each local authority determines whether it adopts CIL and at what rate. For example:

• Rushcliffe Borough Council – has an adopted CIL charging schedule

• Gedling Borough Council – also operates CIL

• Newark and Sherwood District Council – applies CIL in many areas

• Nottingham City Council – has its own schedule

  
  

Other districts may not charge CIL or may rely more heavily on Section 106 agreements.

When Does CIL Apply?

CIL is generally payable when:

• A new dwelling is created (including self-build homes)

• Additional floorspace of 100 sq.m or more is added

• Existing buildings are converted where they have not been in lawful use

For self-builders, the key issue is that CIL technically applies—but can be exempted if strict criteria are followed.

The Self-Build Exemption Explained

Self-builders are typically eligible for a full exemption from CIL, provided the development meets the definition of a self-build residential project.

To qualify, you must demonstrate that:

• You are building the home for your own occupation

• The property will be your principal residence

• You will live in the property for at least 3 years after completion

This exemption also applies to:

• Custom build plots

• Homes built by individuals for their own use (even if contractors are involved)

However, the exemption is not automatic. It must be formally applied for and approved before development starts.

Critical Principle: Timing is Everything

The single biggest issue with CIL is procedural failure.

If you commence development before securing the exemption, the full levy becomes payable—and cannot usually be reversed.

This is where many self-builders encounter problems.

Step-by-Step CIL Compliance for Self-Builders

1. Confirm Whether Your Site is Liable

Before anything else, check if your local authority charges CIL and what rate applies.

Rates vary depending on:

• Location (higher-value areas may attract higher rates)

• Type of development

• Use class

You can confirm this via your local authority’s CIL charging schedule.

2. Submit the Correct Forms at Planning Stage

When applying for planning permission, you must submit:

• Form 1: Additional Information Requirement Form

This identifies whether your development is potentially liable for CIL.

Failure to submit this form can delay validation of your application.

3. Apply for Self-Build Exemption (Before Starting Work)

Once planning permission is granted, you must submit:

• Form 7: Self Build Exemption Claim (Part 1)

  
  

This must be approved before any development begins.

You will need to provide:

• Proof of ownership or land interest

• A declaration that the property will be your principal residence

• Supporting evidence (e.g. mortgage, land registry, etc.)

4. Receive Liability Notice

The council will issue a Liability Notice confirming:

• The CIL amount (before exemption)

• That your exemption is under consideration or approved

Do not assume exemption is granted until formally confirmed.

5. Submit Commencement Notice

Before starting any work on site, you must submit:

• Commencement Notice

This tells the council when development will begin.

Failure to submit this triggers:

• Loss of exemption

• Immediate CIL liability

• Possible surcharges

This is one of the most common compliance failures.

6. Start Development (After Approval Only)

Only begin works once:

• Exemption has been approved

• Commencement Notice has been submitted

“Commencement” includes:

• Digging foundations

• Site clearance

• Any material operation

Even minor early works can invalidate exemption if not properly notified.

7. Complete the Build and Submit Evidence

Within 6 months of completion, you must submit:

• Form 7 Part 2 (Self-Build Exemption Claim – Completion)

This includes:

• Proof of occupation (e.g. council tax registration)

• Utility bills

• Mortgage or ownership confirmation

Failure to submit this can result in the exemption being revoked.

8. Three-Year Occupancy Requirement

You must live in the property as your main residence for at least 3 years.

If you:

• Sell the property

• Rent it out

• Fail to occupy it

The council can claw back the full CIL amount.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Starting Work Too Early

Beginning site work before exemption approval or commencement notice submission is the most frequent and costly error.

Assuming Your Architect or Builder Has Handled It

Responsibility for CIL compliance sits with the applicant (you), not your consultant team.

Missing the Completion Submission

Many self-builders forget to submit Part 2 evidence after completion, risking retrospective charges.

Incorrectly Interpreting “Self-Build”

If the intention is resale or investment, the exemption will not apply.

How Much is CIL in Nottinghamshire?

CIL rates vary significantly depending on the authority and location.

Typical ranges (indicative only):

• £0 – £120 per sq.m for residential development

  
  

Higher-value areas such as parts of Rushcliffe often attract higher rates.

For a typical 200 sq.m home, this could equate to:

• £0 (with exemption)

• £20,000+ (without exemption)

This highlights why compliance is critical.

CIL vs Section 106: What’s the Difference?

CIL is a standardised charge, whereas Section 106 agreements are site-specific obligations.

You may still be subject to Section 106 even if CIL is exempt.

Typical S106 obligations include:

• Affordable housing contributions

• Highway works

• Ecological mitigation

CIL exemption does not remove these obligations.

Local Nuances in Nottinghamshire

Each authority applies CIL slightly differently in practice.

For example:

• Rushcliffe Borough Council tends to have higher residential rates due to stronger market values

• Gedling Borough Council may apply different zoning thresholds

• Newark and Sherwood District Council includes a mix of rural and growth areas affecting viability

It is essential to check the specific guidance for your site.

Practical Checklist for Self-Builders

Before planning permission:

• Confirm CIL applicability

• Understand local rates

At planning stage:

• Submit Form 1

Post-permission:

• Submit Form 7 Part 1 (self-build exemption)

• Wait for approval

Before starting:

• Submit Commencement Notice

During build:

• Keep records of occupation intent

After completion:

• Submit Form 7 Part 2 within 6 months

Ongoing:

• Occupy for minimum 3 years

Professional Advice: Why It Matters

While the process is administrative, the consequences of getting it wrong are financial.

CIL is:

• Non-negotiable

• Strictly enforced

• Procedurally rigid

Professional input from a planning consultant or architect familiar with local authority processes can ensure:

• Correct submission sequencing

• Compliance with local variations

• Avoidance of costly mistakes

Conclusion

CIL for self-builders in Nottinghamshire is manageable—but only if handled correctly. The exemption is highly beneficial, often saving tens of thousands of pounds, but it depends entirely on following the correct process in the correct order.

The key points are simple:

• Apply for exemption early

• Do not start work before approval

• Submit all required notices

• Provide completion evidence

• Occupy the property for the required period

Most issues arise not from misunderstanding the rules, but from missing a step.

If approached methodically, CIL should not be a barrier to delivering a successful self-build project in Nottinghamshire.