From Saturday 1st June, Cotswold District Council will implement a Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL).

The CIL is a locally set charge that can be placed on development, such as new homes and extensions to homes, according to their floor area. The fees generated through the levy will contribute to the funding of infrastructure, which supports development growth across the district.

The CIL is intended to supplement other funding streams and to give councils and communities more choice and flexibility in how infrastructure is funded.

The scheme will apply to all relevant planning applications determined on or after 1st June, even if they were submitted before this date. CIL may also apply to Lawful Development Certificates and Permitted Development.

Cllr Rachel Coxcoon, Cabinet Member for Planning Policy, Climate Change and Energy, said: "CIL is considered to be fairer, faster and more certain and transparent than the current system of planning obligations, which are generally negotiated on a case-by case basis. Levy rates are non-negotiable and they provide more certainty up front about how much money developers will be expected to contribute. Local town and parish councils will be given a slice of the levy collected in the parish to spend on local priorities; this will be up to a maximum of 25 per cent for those with neighbourhood plans."

Punchline said: "There is a fine balance to be had with a levy like this. It is a significant cost, which could stop some projects going forward. On the other hand, money can be spent on really important facilities like schools and doctor's surgeries. We hope there will be some transparency on how the levy is being spent."