Issue - meetings

To receive a report from the Strategic Growth Manager inviting the Cabinet to consider recommendations relating to infrastructure projects seeking funding in whole or in part from an amount of the Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) monies received to date.

Executive Councillor: J Neish.

The Cabinet has

(a)  noted the information on projects previously allocated or in receipt of funding commitments and the updates on their delivery (as outlined in Appendix 1 of the report submitted);

(b)  agreed Officer recommendations for projects submitted in this round for over £50,000 Community Infrastructure Levy funding as detailed in Appendix 2 of the report submitted;

(c)  noted the bids submitted in this round for £50,000 or less Community Infrastructure Levy funding and the approvals in line with delegated authority (as outlined in Appendix 3 of the report submitted;

(d)  agreed an extension of time until 24th March 2024 for B1040 Wheatsheaf Road/Somersham Road, St Ives Accident Reduction Scheme; and

(e)  requested the Deputy Leader to write to Cambridgeshire County Council in respect of the scheme outlined in recommendation (d) above expressing support for the scheme but also to place on record disappointment with the significant delay to this project given the ongoing safety concerns surrounding the site location.

With the aid of a report by the Service Growth Manager (a copy of which is appended in the Minute Book) the Cabinet were invited to consider and agree infrastructure projects as outlined in the report now submitted to be funded in whole or in part by an amount of the Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) monies received to date.

The Executive Councillor for Strategic Planning reminded Members that this was the second of two funding rounds for 2021/22 that was launched on 9th December 2021 with a closing date of 21st January 2022. Members noted the comments of the Overview and Scrutiny Panel (Performance and Growth) and responses provided and the Executive Councillor for Strategic Finance questioned the communication method for unsuccessful applicants and potential disparity of understanding of applicants in the process. In response the Executive Councillor for Strategic Planning reassured Members that each individual was provided with a full response and outcome, as well as support available as required. 

In noting the extension of time for the CIL allocation previously agreed in principle for the Wheatsheaf junction project, attention was drawn to the delays in project implementation that was outside of the District Council’s control that had resulted in a longer delivery time and significantly higher costs. 

In expressing their disappointment with the delays to the Wheatsheaf junction project given the critical safety concerns but overall support for the projects, the Cabinet has

RESOLVED

(a)  that the information on projects previously allocated or in receipt of funding commitments and the updates on their delivery (as outlined in Appendix 1 of the report now submitted) be noted;

(b)  that Officer recommendations for projects submitted in this round for over £50,000 Community Infrastructure Levy funding as detailed in Appendix 2 of the report now submitted be approved;

(c)  that the bids submitted in this round for £50,000 or less Community Infrastructure Levy funding and the approvals in line with delegated authority (as outlined in Appendix 3 of the report now submitted) be noted;

(d)  that an extension of time of the Community Infrastructure Levy allocation until 24th March 2024 for B1040 Wheatsheaf Road/Somersham Road, St Ives Accident Reduction Scheme be approved; and

(e)  that the Deputy Leader be requested to write to Cambridgeshire County Council in respect of the scheme outlined in recommendation (d) above expressing support for the scheme but also to place on record disappointment with the significant delay to this project given the ongoing safety concerns surrounding the site location.

To receive the Community Infrastructure Levy Spend Allocation

By means of a report by the Service Manager Growth (a copy of which is appended in the Minute Book), the Community Infrastructure Levy Spend Allocation Report was presented to the Panel.

After an introduction on the item, Councillor Roberts noted that the governance process had struck the right balance on this round of spend and welcomed the reasoning of officer recommendations on both supported and declined applications.

Following a question from Councillor Roberts regarding the Wheatsheaf Junction project, the Panel heard that additional costs incurred are to be met by Cambridgeshire County Council.

Councillor Chapman queried the anticipated delay to the mains power supply project in Priory Park, St Neots. The Panel were informed that the delay was as a result of amends made by the applicant.

It was confirmed that the project report details on Hinchingbrooke Country Park were in the public domain following an enquiry from Councillor Morris.

Having welcomed the report, the Panel thereupon

RESOLVED

that the Cabinet be encouraged to endorse the recommendations contained within the report.