Issue - meetings

Report of Deputy Chief Executive and Director of Regeneration and Planning

Lead Cabinet member: Councillor Emily O’Brien

(Key decision):

To agree the release of funds from the CIL governance pots as recommended by the CIL Executive Board.

The Cabinet considered the report of the Deputy Chief Executive and Director of Regeneration and Planning, seeking their approval to release Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) funds, as recommended by the CIL Executive Board, to assist in the delivery of certain infrastructure projects required to support development in the district.

The Community Infrastructure Levy, known as CIL, is a charge that local authorities could make on developments to raise funds for infrastructure projects, as a result of local development and growth. The CIL was payable upon commencement of a development and since 2015 the council had collected over £7.4 million.

Projects endorsed by the councillors include CIL contributions of £30,000 for upgrades to bridleways and footpaths into the popular Centenary Park in Peacehaven, over £290K for essential improvements to Barcombe and Seaford Fire Stations and £17,000 for an all-weather path around Beechwood Rural Park in Hamsey to provide better access for wheelchair and pushchair users.

Policy and Performance Advisory Committee (PPAC), held on 30 November 2020 considered the report and were supportive of the recommendations in full. Vice Chair, Councillor Liz Boorman, was in attendance to present PPAC’s discussion.

Councillor O’Brien thanked Emma Kemp, Senior Planning Policy Officer for her work in ensuring a rigorous application process and welcomed any feedback from members on the process. CIL would be reviewed next year, particularly around strategic spending.

(NB: Councillor Collier declared a personal and prejudicial interest in this item as a member of Peacehaven Town Council. He remained in the room but did not vote on the item.)

Resolved (Key decision):

To agree the release of funds from the CIL governance pots as recommended by the CIL Executive Board.

Reason for decision:

To support the delivery of the right level and type of infrastructure to support the growth identified for the local planning authority in the adopted Joint Core Strategy.