DUDLEY Council has given first stage approval for a new charge on new developments to help benefit communities.

The council’s cabinet gave the green light to apply the new Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) charge to new residential developments to help fund infrastructure and support regeneration within an area.

Applicable to new retail, housing and retirement sites - it will vary depending on the size of the development or creation of extra homes on an existing site.

Charity groups, affordable housing, householder residential extensions and self-build homes will be exempt from the charge which will run alongside Planning Obligations/S106 Agreements. Councillor Judy Foster, cabinet member for regeneration, said: “I am pleased the first stage of introducing the Community Infrastructure Levy was approved.

“Whilst the new charge is now subject to public consultation and final approval later in the year, I am confident this scheme will bring positive changes to many aspects of our communities, whether at a very local level or a borough wide one.”

The new charge is now subject to a public consultation, running until April 25, before it is approved in the autumn.

To take part in the consultation or for more information, including charges, visit www.dudley.gov.uk/resident/planning/planning-policy/local-development-framework/cil/