A NEW developer tax is being introduced but will not apply to major projects including the King Alfred development.

The Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) was authorised by central Government in 2010 and is expected to come into effect in Brighton and Hove next year.

Developers and residents can now go online to give their opinions on the proposed charges.

The CIL will apply to almost all developments and the money will be spent to support infrastructure in need of extra funds including schools, roads, parks, flood defences, and healthcare.

The proposed charges for Brighton and Hove are higher than many authorities where the charge already exists but lower than most London tariffs.

Councillor Julie Cattell, chairwoman of the city’s planning committee, said: “The CIL will ensure developers add value to the city by having to invest money in the community if they want their developments to be accepted.

“It’s therefore extremely important that our residents, businesses, investors and developers get involved in the consultation.

“We have to strike the right balance between gaining income for our residents and ensuring we still make it viable for developers to build in the city.”

Architect Nick Lomax, of LCE Architects in Western Road, said: “In principle I think CIL is a good idea because there’s certainty so developers can enter into it knowing what they’re in for.

“In principle our clients are OK with it.

“The issue is what level you set it at.

“And given the impact the affordable housing requirement has on the viability of developments I think the figures are quite high.

“I spoke to a developer who said the level of CIL in Brighton per square metre is the equivalent of the actual price of land in the south of Spain.”

The charge will not replace Section 106 payments, which developers will still be charged to offset the impact of their projects, but these will now be scaled back to provide on-site requirements such as access roads.

The CIL will replace off-site payments and will be charged on a wider range of developments.

The council has exempted the King Alfred as well as the inner harbour at Brighton Marina because they are strategic projects with high build costs.

But Mr Lomax asked: “Why should the King Alfred be the exception? What message does this send to developers considering other key sites?”

The consultation runs for six weeks. To respond go to consult.brighton-hove.gov.uk/public/bhcc/planning/community_levy/community_infrastructure_levy_draft_charging_schedule.

FEES

This table compares the proposed per-square-metre Community Infrastructure Levy in Brighton and Hove with existing CIL charges elsewhere.

Residential CIL depends on zoning, we have compared the top and bottom tiers in each authority.

CIL charge Brighton Bristol Brnmouth Kingston

Residental £££ £175 £70 £70 £210

Residential £ £75 £50 £0 £50

Student Accom £175 £100 £40 £220

Large Retail £100 £120 £250 £200

Small Retail £50 £120 £134 £200