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Property Developer Richard Carr Calls For A Relaxation In Development Tax

Property Developer Richard Carr Calls For A Relaxation In Development Tax
Written by Amy

Property Developer Richard Carr calls for a relaxation in development tax

  • Poole-based property developer wants clarification on CIL and s106 payments
  • Carr believes developers are put off by high taxes involved on developments
  • A relaxation in taxes would be beneficial for the industry and help the housing shortfall

Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) and s106 payments are no longer viable property taxes according to Poole-based property developer Richard Carr.

Carr, who has worked in the industry for over 30 years, believes the taxes are seriously affecting the industry and are a factor in the current housing shortage that the country is battling with.

Expanding on the point, he said: “I’m very much for paying taxes and have done all my business life – and I believe property taxes can work and help projects such as social housing and community infrastructure if they are used correctly, however my problem is that I don’t believe they are.

“Community Infrastructure Levy is an outdated tax that developers have become disillusioned with. The line between CIL and s106 payments has become faded and clarification is need from the government to explain why they are in place.”

Currently, ministers are debating new proposals for development property tax and how it will be applied. Planning Minister Brandon Lewis is considering an overhaul of S106 payments and CIL.

Carr added: “I believe they should be abolished for 24 months on condition that the development is started within 12 months from grant; it should only be implemented on Greenfield sites that are inherently cheaper to develop.

“How can it be correct for a developer to pay £385 planning fees on a 500 square foot flat and the same for an 18,000 square foot house?”

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Amy