The Council launched a consultation on its draft charging schedule (DCS) (22-page / 3.31MB PDF) at the end of last month. It has proposed to divide the city into five different zones for residential developments. A rate of £5 per sq m would apply in the 'City Centre' and 'Inner' zones; a rate of £23 per sq m would apply in the 'Outer' zone; a rate of £45 per sq m would apply in the 'South' zone and the highest residential rate of £90 per sq m would apply in the 'North' zone.
For retail developments, the Council has proposed setting differential rates according to size, type and location. A draft rate of £110 per sq m has been set for convenience retail developments below 500 sq m in the City Centre, with a draft rate of £175 per sq m for such developments outside the City Centre.
Comparison retail developments above 1,000 sq m would be charged at £35 per sq m if they are located in the City Centre and at £55 per sq m if they are located outside the City Centre. Offices in the City Centre have been set a proposed rate of £35 per sq m.
A nil rate levy would apply to development by a "predominantly publicly funded or not for profit organisation", including sports and leisure centres, medical or health services, community facilities, and education. All other uses will be charged at £5 if the proposed rates are eventually adopted.
The consultation will be open for comments until 10 December. The Council said it hopes to submit its DCS for examination in the spring 2014.
