Agenda item - Community Infrastructure Levy - Preliminary Draft Charging Schedule

Report of the Executive Director, Economy Environment & Culture (copy attached).

(1) That the Committee notes the findings and recommendations of the CIL Viability Study 2017; and

            (2) That the Committee agrees to publish the Preliminary Draft Charging Schedule listed in Appendix 1 for formal consultation, as required under the CIL Regulations 2010 (as amended), for an eight week period and to authorise the Head of Planning to make any necessary minor editorial/grammatical amendments to the Preliminary Draft Charging Schedule prior to consultation.

21.1    The Committee considered a report of the Executive Director, Economy, Environment and Culture which provided an update on the preparation of a Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL), as previously agreed by the Economic Development and Culture Committee on 22 September 2016 and sought approval to consult on a Preliminary Draft Charging Schedule (PDCS) underpinned by the findings of a bespoke CIL Viability Study.

21.2    It was noted that at its meeting in September 2016 the then Economic Development and Culture Committee had resolved that work commence on a CIL charging schedule for Brighton and Hove, noting that a key stage was to publish a PDCS for consultation. A CIL viability study had been carried out by consultants in order that it underpin the PDCS. This study had found that new-build residential development; purpose built student housing and new retail floor space could all bear a CIL charge within a recommended charging range. Other uses were recommended for a zero charge. In accordance with CIL Regulations, the CIL charge will be payable on new residential units and new development creating over 100sq.m of net additional floor space. Exceptions included new affordable housing units, self-build housing and development by charities.

21.3    Councillor Druitt welcomed the document and welcomed the fact that the level of fees charged could be adjusted each year in line with inflation and asking whether it was capable of review in the light of recession too.

21.4    The Legal Adviser to the Committee, Hilary Woodward explained that as this fell within a particular statutory framework which limited what could be done.

21.5    Councillor Morris asked whether the CIL was allied to property prices and it was confirmed that they were linked to local values.

21.6    The Chair, Councillor Robins sought clarification of the CIL boundaries.

21.7    RESOLVED – (1) That the Committee notes the findings and recommendations of the CIL Viability Study 2017; and

            (2) That the Committee agrees to publish the Preliminary Draft Charging Schedule listed in Appendix 1 for formal consultation, as required under the CIL Regulations 2010 (as amended), for an eight week period and to authorise the Head of Planning to make any necessary minor editorial/grammatical amendments to the Preliminary Draft Charging Schedule prior to consultation.