North Tyneside Council has introduced a new charge on developers to help fund infrastructure in the borough.
The Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) allows councils to levy a flat rate financial charge against the amount of new floorspace created by development.
The amount of money that must be paid depends on the type of development and its location in the borough – there are five charging zones for residential development and three charging zones for commercial development.
The funding can help pay for infrastructure such as schools, flood alleviation schemes as well as health and community facilities.
CIL was developed by the planning service, which is delivered for the council by its partner Capita.
Deputy Mayor Cllr Bruce Pickard said: “This new charge will play an important role in ensuring we have the right infrastructure for North Tyneside.
“We can now levy new developments to fund vital infrastructure such as schools, health and community facilities.”
Approved by Full Council in November 2018, CIL came into effect on 14 January 2019.
The introduction of the CIL has brought North Tyneside Council into line with Newcastle City Council and Gateshead Council which each adopted the CIL in November 2016.