Avoiding Unnecessary CIL Through Certificate of Lawfulness
Advised our client on securing a Certificate of Lawfulness to build a rear dormer without triggering unnecessary CIL costs, ensuring a compliant, cost-effective development strategy while minimising financial risks.
Harrow Council
Authority:
Location:
Elm Drive, North Harrow
Background
Our client obtained planning permission (ref: P/1134/23) for the conversion of a dwellinghouse into two flats (2 x 2-bed), including roof alterations to form an end gable and rear dormer. However, the owner does not intend to implement the full permission immediately and instead plans to construct the rear dormer only at this stage.
Our Approach
We advised the owner to submit a Certificate of Lawfulness (Proposed Development) before building the rear dormer. Without this, the construction could trigger the Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) under the planning permission, resulting in an avoidable cost of approximately £6,055.60, based on the officer's report.
Outcome
A Certificate of Lawfulness for the loft extension was successfully granted, ensuring compliance and protecting the owner from unnecessary charges.
Key Takeaways
By applying for a Certificate of Lawfulness, the client avoided an unnecessary CIL liability when proceeding with their rear dormer development.
When managing planning applications for dwellinghouse-to-flat conversions, our expertise helps clients minimise CIL obligations by strategically staging the development process.
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