Decision details

At this point in the proceedings, the Leader of the Council arrived and assumed the Chair for the remainder of the meeting.

The Executive considered a report that provided an overview of the Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) and sought approval for two rounds of consultation on the Preliminary Draft Charging Schedule (PDCS) and subsequently the Draft Charging Schedule (DCS).

The Leader requested that the following measures be taken in relation to the CIL:

·           The consultation exercise should be designed in such a way so as to encourage residents to engage and respond, not just developers;

·           The Planning Control Committee would have an active role in monitoring CIL on a meeting by meeting basis, and the Audit Committee should be used to monitor the overall impact on a retrospective basis; and

·           The performance relating to CIL should also be added to the Executive’s Performance Monitoring Indicators.

The Executive supported the addition of recommendations relating to a 12 month review of CIL and continued concern regarding the Holding Direction on the Local Plan and its consequent impact on the introduction of CIL.

It was RESOLVED:

1.         That the updated evidence base for CIL is noted.

2.         That the draft Preliminary Draft Charging Schedule (attached as Appendix 1 to the report) is approved.

3.         That public consultation on the Preliminary Draft Charging Schedule for a period of six weeks, commencing on 12 September 2018, is approved.

4.         That delegated powers be granted to the Assistant Director (Planning & Regulation), in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Environment & Regeneration, to make such amendments as are necessary in the final preparation of the Preliminary Draft Charging Schedule.

5.         That delegated powers be granted to the Assistant Director (Planning & Regulation), in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Environment & Regeneration, to consider consultation responses received in relation to the Preliminary Draft Charging Schedule and to make such amendments as are necessary to subsequently prepare the Draft Charging Schedule.

6.         That public consultation on the Draft Charging Schedule, for a period of four weeks commencing on 16 November 2018, is approved.

7.         That the CIL rates are reviewed 12 months after adoption to take into account updated viability evidence.

8.         That significant concern is expressed regarding the continuing temporary Holding Direction on the Stevenage Borough Local Plan, which has been found sound on Independent Examination, by the Secretary of State which is causing delay in the introduction of CIL as well as preventing the positive determination of planning applications for much needed development throughout the Borough.

Reason for Decision: As contained in the report; plus 7. To ensure the CIL rates are reviewed in a timely manner; and 8. To re-iterate the Council’s concern regarding the Holding Direction on the Local Plan and its impact on the introduction of CIL.

Other Options considered: As contained in the report.