Agenda item

To receive an annual update on the work of the Huntingdonshire Strategic Partnership – Growth and Infrastructure Thematic Group.

(Councillor D B Dew, Executive Councillor for Strategic Planning & Housing was in attendance for the discussion on this item).

With the assistance of a report by the Planning Service Manager (Policy) (a copy of which is appended in the Minute Book) the Panel received an annual update on the work of the Huntingdonshire Strategic Partnership – Growth & Infrastructure Thematic Group.

Following a brief introduction by the Executive Councillor, Members were informed that the Group’s role was to support and co-ordinate the strategic growth and infrastructure development for Huntingdonshire and to act as a Project Board for the delivery of the Infrastructure needs of the District. The role of the Group had developed in recent years and Members’ attention was been drawn to the work which the Group has led, influenced or supported over the last year. Members were pleased to note that a Parish / Town Council representative had now been appointed to the Group.

Then Panel then received an update on the implementation of the Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL). As part of which, details of demand notices that had been issued to developers for CIL payments, the reliefs and exemptions authorised and the monies that had been transferred to Town and Parish Councils were also provided. Members raised a number of specific questions with regard to the exemptions which could be authorised for self-builds which were responded to by the Planning Services Manager (Policy).

The Panel discussed the requirement to transfer a ‘meaningful proportion of CIL receipts to the Town or Parish Council in the area of development. In response to Members questions as to how this money is spent, the Panel noted that parishes are required to produce an annual report detailing expenditure, however there have been none received to-date. Having noted the intention of the Planning Policy Team to issue a reminder to Parish and Town Councils, Members emphasised the importance of receiving feedback from those to which CIL receipts have been paid and asked the Executive Councillor in his capacity as Chairman of Hemingford Grey Parish Council to be an exemplar in this regard. In terms of the Community Infrastructure Levy more generally, the Panel noted that a review of CIL is planned by government this year.

Having noted that those Parish Councils that have a Neighbourhood Development Plan in place were able to receive 25% of CIL receipts, Members expressed concerns that a number of parishes did not understand the neighbourhood planning process and the implications of producing one. In response to which, the Corporate Director (Delivery) undertook to bring a paper to a future meeting outlining the current position. Members were advised that the intention by Government in setting a higher percentage for those with neighbourhood plans, had been to encourage parishes and town councils to undertake this process.

Having noted that the future role of the Huntingdonshire Strategic Partnership was currently unknown and that a review of external partnerships was currently being undertaken, the Panel discussed the value which the Group brings to the District Council and Members attention was drawn to the observations of the Group itself, who were of the opinion that its existence helped to facilitate and speed up delivery of growth. Members concluded that the Group did bring value to the District Council, however Members would welcome further information as to its operation.

Whereupon it was

RESOLVED

that the contents of the report now submitted be noted.