Millions lost in developers contributions, RDC moves one step closer to righting the wrongs of the past

You might remember my previous post on CIL (Community Infrastructure Levy). Last week at the Planning Policy Committee, it was noted that the evidence base for the implementation of CIL work was in progress. It's not a quick process by any means and will come at a significant cost, however, the millions lost in developer contributions over the course of the local plan, can not be allowed to happen again. If you haven't got time to read the report the implementation of CIL is intended to be complete by 2028 in line with the new local plan - we've twin-tracked it.

Residents are quite rightly angry that local services are stretched beyond breaking point and this has had a direct impact on their quality of life. Through the new local plan process where possible, we need to make sure that policies are put in place that don't allow for 'wriggle room' and ensure that future planning applications are sustainable.

So what can CIL be used for?

The Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) is a charge that local authorities can use to fund infrastructure and services for new developments. CIL funds can be used for a variety of purposes, including: 

• Roads: Building, improving, or maintaining roads
• Schools: Funding schools to support new developments
• Health services: Funding health services to support new developments
• Leisure: Funding leisure facilities to support new developments
• Open spaces: Funding open spaces to support new developments
• Transport improvements: Funding transport improvements to support new developments
• Green spaces: Funding green spaces to support new developments
• Community facilities: Funding community facilities to support new developments

If we get CIL adopted it will be a significant achievement and a significant benefit to our residents. I'll write more on this subject in the future as we go through the process.