Issue - meetings

Report DRR17/053

The Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) allowed local authorities in England and Wales to raise funds from developers undertaking new building projects.  This would effectively replace much of the existing process of planning obligations commonly known as Section 106 Agreements.

The report outlined the process of CIL and requested Members recommend an appropriate level of charge for consultation purposes and endorse the proposal to undertake a six week period of consultation on the Preliminary Draft Charging Schedule.

The Chairman confirmed that the CIL charge would not replace Section 106 Agreements for affordable housing.  Following an independent viability analysis of the Borough, it was proposed that Bromley charge £100 per sqm, payable at the start of construction. 

The following table listing the rates proposed by adjoining boroughs, was circulated to Members:-

Councillor Lymer referred to the staggered CIL approach taken by Sevenoaks Council and asked whether Bromley could do the same.  The Chief Planner reported that whilst this was possible, the Council should try to avoid any extra bureaucracy.

Councillor Fawthrop was hopeful that developers may be encouraged to provide more affordable housing as this type of development was exempt from CIL charges.

Councillor Reddin was informed that currently there were no Neighbourhood Plans (page 307) and it was expected that a further report would be presented to Members after the completion of the Preliminary Draft Charging Schedule consultation process.

RESOLVED that the Preliminary Draft Charging Schedule be endorsed and that Members of the Executive be recommended to:-

1)  approve the Preliminary Draft Charging Schedule; and

2)  approve and authorise the six week Preliminary Draft Charging Schedule consultation process.