The PDCS (20-page / 727KB PDF) identifies a number of low value areas around the peripheries of Stevenage and Luton. The Council proposes that residential developments within those areas will be subject to a rate of £80 per square metre. For residential developments in all other areas, the proposed rate is £120 per sq m.
For retail developments, it is proposed that the applicable rates will depend on size. Developments with a floorspace greater than 280 sq m are subject to a proposed rate of £120 per sq m and developments with less than 280 sq m floorspace are proposed to be charged £80 per sq m.
The Council said that, although its viability assessment had recommended setting differential retail rates depending on location within or outside the town centre, it had decided to propose a flat rate to ensure the rate was not based on policy reasons.
A zero rate levy is proposed to apply to all business developments, including office and industrial, as well as hotels, care homes, community facilities and other uses, including agricultural.
The consultation will run until 28 March. According to the Council's projected timeline for the CIL process, it will adopt CIL in April 2015.
