'Prep work' takes place to reform controversial levy

HOMEOWNERS charged exorbitant planning fees for minor extensions may soon have a way out after “vital prep work” took place for a formal review - but for some it cannot come soon enough.

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Waverley Borough Council found itself at the centre of a Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) storm when dozens of people were hit with large surprise infrastructure fees after completing work on their homes, because they failed to tick the correct boxes in the authority's paperwork.

Traditionally, these fees are for large-scale developers to offset the impact of new housing schemes on an area. But homeowners have been finding themselves being slapped with huge bills as well. It has left some facing the threat of court action, repossessions and imprisonment, with others saying they have been forced to put their properties on the market.

Desperate, residents began pleading with the borough council to return the charges only to be told there was no money available - and that in all cases the charges were applied correctly.