CIL Appeals, Relief and Exemptions

Reliefs and exemptions can reduce or remove liability where criteria, forms and timing requirements are met. Appeal routes may exist for some CIL decisions.

At a glance

1 Reliefs and exemptions can reduce or remove CIL liability

2 Appeal routes exist for certain CIL decisions

3 Disqualifying events can invalidate relief claims

4 Strict deadlines apply — act in time

5 Form 6 and commencement carry risks

6 Follow official guidance and use the right forms

CIL reliefs, exemptions and appeals can be time-sensitive and fact-specific. UK Planning Gateway provides workflow guidance only.Always check official guidance and seek professional advice where needed.

Direct answer

CIL reliefs and exemptions can remove or reduce liability if you meet the criteria and submit the correct forms on time. Some decisions can be appealed, but disqualifying events and missed deadlines can lead to loss of relief or higher charges.

Reliefs and exemptions

Common routes to reduce or remove CIL liability.

Relief or exemption	Key forms	Key risks if not met
Self-build exemption	Form 7: Self-build exemption claim	Sale or lease within 3 years; prior disposal or land control.
Residential annex exemption	Form 8: Annex exemption claim	Annex sold separately; principal dwelling not main home.
Residential extension exemption	Form 9: Extension exemption claim	Extended building sold within 3 years; criteria not met.
Charitable relief	Form 2: Charitable relief claim	Use changes or non-qualifying charitable status.
Social housing relief	Form 8: Social housing relief claim	Units not retained as social housing for required period.
Exceptional circumstances relief	Form 9: Exceptional circumstances claim	Circumstances not exceptional or outside your control.
Further exemption	Form 10: Further exemption claim	Does not meet qualifying rules for the exemption.

Appeal routes

You can appeal certain CIL decisions to the Planning Inspectorate.

Decision you can appeal	What you can appeal	Time limit
Calculation of chargeable amount	The amount of CIL the authority says is payable	28 days
Apportionment	How chargeable development is apportioned.	28 days
Surcharge	The amount of any CIL surcharge.	28 days
Deemed commencement date	The date the authority says development commenced.	28 days
CIL stop notice	A notice stopping development.	28 days
View Planning Inspectorate CIL appeals guidance

Disqualifying events

Certain events can disqualify you from relief or exemptions.

Selling or leasing relevant land within 3 years
Granting lengthy leases or rights inconsistent with the exemption
Ceasing to meet use or ownership requirements
Notifying incorrect information

View Planning Inspectorate CIL appeals guidance

Missed deadlines

Late claims or appeals can be refused.

Relief/exemption claims — submit by the deadline
Appeals — usually 28 days from decision
Extensions are not guaranteed

See deadlines in CIL regulations

Form 6 and commencement risk

You can appeal certain CIL decisions to the Planning Inspectorate.

Common mistakes

Starting work before relief or exemption is confirmed.
Submitting the wrong form or incomplete information.
Missing the deadline for claims or appeals.
Overlooking disqualifying events.
Assuming exemption where criteria are not fully met.

Planning professional checklist

Use this checklist to protect relief or exemption claims.

Confirm eligibility

Check official criteria and any local guidance.

Use the right forms

Select the correct CIL relief or exemption form.

Submit on time

Meet deadlines for claims and appeals.

Avoid disqualifying events

Monitor land use, ownership and disposal dates.

Keep records

Maintain evidence and communication logs.

Track decisions

Follow up and act on outcomes promptly.

How UK Planning Gateway helps

UKPG provides workflow guidance and tools to keep you on track.

Organise forms

Find the right relief or exemption forms quickly in the CIL Forms Centre.

Prompt deadlines

Automated reminders help you meet claim and appeal deadlines.

Link to guidance

Direct links to official guidance and eligibility criteria.

Maintain an audit trail

Secure document storage and activity history for professional records.