Issue - meetings

To provide Members with an overview of the Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL).

The Cabinet was presented with a report proposing to increase CIL rates for residential development aligning them closely to the Hertfordshire average as well as proposing a new rate for industrial use.

Members were advised that the increases could unlock £14m to fund vital local infrastructure over the next five years.  Public consultation would commence on 14 October 2024 for a minimum period of 4 weeks and the responses received would be reported back to a future meeting of Cabinet.

It was RESOLVED:

1.  That the updated evidence base for the Community Infrastructure Levy Review be approved.

2.  That the draft Preliminary Draft Charging Schedule (attached as Appendix A) be agreed for public consultation.

3.  That the public consultation on the Preliminary Draft Charging Schedule, for a minimum period of four weeks commencing 14 October 2024 be approved.

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

5.  That the comments of the Planning & Development Committee will be sought and fed back to the Cabinet.

Reason for Decision: As contained in the report.

Other Options considered:As contained in the report.

The Cabinet was presented with a report proposing to increase Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) rates for residential development aligning them closely to the Hertfordshire average as well as proposing a new rate for industrial use.  The Portfolio Holder explained that the CIL was a planning charge introduced as a tool for local authorities to help deliver infrastructure to support the development of their area.  He further explained that the money could be used to fund a wide range of infrastructure, such as transport schemes, schools, community facilities, parks and leisure facilities needed as a result of development.

Members were advised that the increases could unlock £14m to fund vital local infrastructure over the next five years.  Public consultation would commence on 14 October 2024 for a minimum period of 4 weeks and the responses received would be reported back to a future meeting of Cabinet.

It was RESOLVED:

1.  That the updated evidence base for the Community Infrastructure Levy Review be approved.

2.  That the draft Preliminary Draft Charging Schedule (attached as Appendix A) be agreed for public consultation.

3.  That the public consultation on the Preliminary Draft Charging Schedule, for a minimum period of four weeks commencing 14 October 2024 be approved.

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

5.  That the comments of the Planning & Development Committee will be sought and fed back to the Cabinet.

Reason for Decision: As contained in the report.

Other Options considered:As contained in the report.