Levy plan criticised by rural firms

The Country Land and Business Association wants Leeds City Council to exempt rural developments from its new “community infrastructure levy”.

Under the plans, developers will be charged a different amount depending on what they are building and the location.

Rural developments in Leeds are currently in line to face a £5 per square metre charge.

CLA North regional director Dorothy Fairburn said: “We are very concerned that agricultural, horticultural and forestry developments, and small scale rural developments, are being swept up with urban-focused development charges.

“Clearly this would be to the detriment of the rural economy as a whole as urban-focused charges would stop critically needed development in the countryside.”