Issue - meetings

The Overview & Scrutiny Panel is invited to consider and comment on the proposals.

Executive Councillors: T Sanderson & B Mickelburgh

By means of a report by the Head of Planning, Infrastructure & Public Protection (a copy of which was appended in the Minute Book), the CIL Governance - Phase 2 - Strategic Allocation was presented to the Panel.

The Panel sought further information regarding what the decision?making process for the proposal would entail. The purpose of the new plan was questioned in comparison with existing arrangements and why the current approach could not continue. Concern was expressed regarding the potential creation of a two?tier system between external applicants and the Council’s own applications.  The Panel were advised that Council applications have to go through the same process and meet the same requirements as external applicants. It was confirmed that this Phase 2 of the Governance allows for faster paced decisions so projects can be completed if the costs rise.

After a question regarding Parish Councils, the Panel heard that Parish Councils are still able to apply for Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL).

The Panel wondered whether any remaining Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) funds at the point of Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) could be ring?fenced to ensure that CIL raised within the District is spent on projects benefiting the local area. It was confirmed that there are considerations other than LGR which must be taken into account, such as the Spatial Development Plan. It was advised that more guidance around CIL was being released but at the present, the idea of ring-fencing remains unclear. The Section 151 Officer reiterated that they are looking at how to fund strategic projects within the District that provide a District-wide benefit in a prudent way. The Panel’s attention was drawn to Point 3.18 of the report regarding LGR.

It was confirmed that CIL application criteria has evolved through comments from Parishes and the Team remain open to feedback.

It was queried if the criteria for awarding CIL funding were set too high and whether the scheme was being sufficiently publicised. It was asked, at the point of Local Government Reorganisation (LGR), if the option of passing CIL funds to Town Councils had been considered. The Panel heard that the process has improved, such as earlier engagement from the Team with applicants. It was also noted that the Team are available to work with Parishes.

After further comments from the Panel, it was confirmed that the Neighbourhood Plans are developed by the Parishes. It was advised that the Team can assist Parishes with their ideas but they are unable to do the work for CIL applications for them.

Following the discussion, it was

RESOLVED

that the comments of the Overview and Scrutiny Panel be passed to Cabinet for their consideration when making a decision upon the recommendations within the report.