Agenda item

Contact: Steven Wright – Planning Policy and Strategy Group Leader

The Committee received a report setting out details of the Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) Charging Schedule. The CIL is identified in the Council’s Local Development Scheme and is intended to outline the amount developers must contribute towards infrastructure costs in different parts of Kirklees (charging zones and rates applicable) once the CIL Charging Schedule is adopted by the Council.

It was reported that the CIL Charging Schedule was subject to examination by an independent Inspector (known as an Examiner in this CIL process) including a public hearing that had taken place on 16^th September 2019. The Inspector recommended approval of the CIL Charging Schedule subject to modifications, which were set out in the report.

TheCIL isintendedas ameansofcontributingto thefundingofinfrastructure requiredto supportgrowthin theDistrictanddeliverthepoliciesand proposalsin theLocalPlan.It replacespart ofthesystemofPlanningObligations(Section 106 Agreements).TheCIL willhelp tomeettheDistrict’s prioritiesby generatingfundingto provideinfrastructurewhilebeing setat appropriateratesthatwillcontinue toattractinvestment,createjobs,anddeliver newhousing.

                 John Buddle, Principal Planning Officer, gave a presentation which included details of how the system works; details of changes in legislation; a summary of the Inspector’s recommendations; and the submitted CIL rates.

                 It was reported that the next steps would be to establish governance arrangements and seek adoption by Council prior to implementation.

                 Questions and comments were invited from Panel Members and the following issues were raised:

• Councillor J Taylor highlighted that under the process small and medium sized business will be required to provide funds up front and in full whereas large developers will benefit from being able to pay in instalments. The Principal Planning Officer explained that instalments were applicable for larger scale developments but acknowledged the fact that this would be of benefit to large developers who are undertaking these projects.

• Councillor Bolt raised concerns about a potential democratic deficit in respect of neighbourhood forums, it was explained that in the absence of parish or town council, any group must be an established constituted body which is ultimately accountable to the Council.

• Discussion took place about exiting structures in place to engage with communities, namely place based working, and the importance of aligning the process with existing structures where possible. The ongoing work around place based working and citizens engagement is well placed as a means of engaging with the public. 

• Members highlighted the fact that infrastructure spending will not necessarily be spent within the zone where a development is undertaken. Monies from one development could fund infrastructure improvements in an alternative area.

• In response to a request for further information relating to the definition and rate for retirement living, an undertaking was given to provide further information on the matter.

RESOLVED -

  1.     That the Panel notes the Community Infrastructure Levy Charging Schedule  process and implications of the Inspector’s report.

2.      That the following feedback be provided in respect of the Community Infrastructure Levy:

-       That further consideration be given to the instalment policy and the potential negative effect on small and medium size companies

-       That clarification be sought on the role of neighbourhood forums and links be forged with existing structure and mechanisms around place based working.

-       The importance of being able to communicate the rationale behind decisions where infrastructure spending from a development in a particular area being spent in a different area. A clear policy is needed that justifies how money is allocated across the borough.