Issue - meetings

The Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) Draft Charging Schedule, the Draft Regulation 123 List and the revised Draft Planning Obligations SPD are published for public consultation following the Cabinet approval on 16th July. The CIL is a new tariff system that allows local authorities to raise funds from developers to contribute to the costs of providing some of the infrastructure needed for new development.  The Planning Obligations SPD is revised in response to the changes brought by the CIL regulations. The Regulation 123 List sets out the types of Infrastructure on which CIL income may be spent.

The Planning Policy Team Leader introduced this item to the Panel. He informed them that the timeline for the public consultation on the draft charging schedule, the draft Regulation 123 List and the revised draft Planning Obligations SPD was from 24/7/14 to 18/9/14.

He explained that the draft charging schedule was due to be submitted for Examination in October 2014 and that comments from the Panel would be welcome by 8^th October 2014.

Councillor Liz Richardson asked if the Panel could be sent a summary of the consultation responses.

The Planning Policy Team Leader replied that he would email a summary of key issues raised in the consultation by the end of September.

The Community Infrastructure Levy Draft Charging Schedule, the Draft Regulation 123 List and the revised Draft Planning Obligations SPD have been prepared for public consultation

Councillor Tim Ball, in proposing the item, expressed disappointment that so few Councillors had attended this debate, which followed the adoption of the Core Strategy.  He thanked Kaoru Jacques (Planning Officer) for the hard work and excellent technical ability she had brought to the task.  He explained that the proposals would be presented to the Inspector and would then return to Cabinet in March 2015 following statutory public consultation.  The rewards to the Council would be in the region of £12M-£17M.

Councillor Ben Stevens seconded the proposal.  He referred to table 3.7.A of the document which demonstrated continued support for youth apprenticeships.  He agreed with Councillor Ball that the adoption of the policy would bring tangible benefits to the community.

Councillor Paul Crossley said that following adoption of the Core Strategy at a recent Council meeting, it was possible for Cabinet to move ahead by adopting the Community Infrastructure Levy to enable communities to play a part in their own future.  He observed that the Bath Western Riverside Supplementary Planning Document Appendix C was being updated to take the new arrangements into account.  As an aside, he took the opportunity to congratulate Crest Nicholson for recently winning two building awards and he was delighted that the plans had included all kinds of buildings, including social housing.

On a motion from Councillor Tim Ball, seconded by Councillor Ben Stevens, it was

RESOLVED (unanimously)

(1) To APPROVE the draft charging schedule and the draft Regulation 123 List for public consultation;

(2) To APPROVE the revised draft Planning Obligations SPD for public consultation;

(3) To APPROVE the timeline for the public consultation period on the above documents from 24/7/14 to 18/9/14;

(4) To APPROVE the update to Appendix C to the Bath Western Riverside SPD for Development Management purposes; and

(5) To DELEGATE authority to the Divisional Director for Development in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Homes & Planning to:

a) make minor textual amendments to the consultation documents prior to publication; and

b) make minor amendments to the CIL draft Charging Schedule, revised Planning Obligations SPD and the Regulation 123 list following public consultation and submit to the Secretary of State for examination.