A TAX exemption is now available - to people who build their own homes and extensions - providing they meet certain criteria.

Self builders will be exempt from paying The Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL), an additional tax on new home and some extensions.

The CIL was brought into effect by the Planning Act of 2008, but critics claimed it burdened self builders with additional costs running into thousands of pounds.

Jonathan Riddle, from Hale based Arc Design Services, said he was delighted the exemption had been made.

He said: “Most house extensions and new builds that we design are more than 100 square metres, so we’ve had to spend a lot more time on planning applications, and clients have been faced with thousands of pounds of extra unnecessary costs."

He added: "We’re really pleased that sense has prevailed and that families and self builders are able to claim exemption if they are going to live in the property for at least three years after they have completed the work”.

For more information about the new exemption contact Mr Riddle on 0161 928 4433