The Council's proposals would also remove any levy for small-scale retail developments, financial and professional services and high-rise residential development, the Council said.
The proposed changes to Plymouth's CIL have been made following a consultation on the draft CIL charging schedule. The changes have been made to improve the viability of housing developments below 15 homes and on smaller retail developments. The Council has also proposed to allow developers to pay the levy by instalments to help with cashflow.
The contributions secured by councils under the new CIL will be used to fund new infrastructure improvements and to help fund schools, transport, leisure and sports facilities.
"We are putting forward some of the most conservative – or lowest - CIL rates in the country so far," said Councillor Ted Fry, Plymouth Council cabinet member for planning, strategic housing and economic development.
"Jobs are key to growth, and it’s important that we don’t seek contributions from employment developments which can’t afford to pay them, which is why we are proposing to exclude these from the levy," he said. "The rates that we are proposing reflect the economic realities of Plymouth, and will therefore help attract new jobs and investment, whilst also ensuring the city as a whole gains."
The proposed new CIL charges will be discussed by the Plymouth Cabinet on the 17 January and it is hope the CIL will be introduced later this year. If agreed, Plymouth would have the lowest CIL rates in the country to date.
