CIL consultation seeks views on securing funding from new developments
A new consultation has been launched, asking people for their views on East Devon’s proposals for securing infrastructure funding from new developments.
The Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) is the new way to get contributions from developers for things such as road improvements, public open space, cycle routes and other infrastructure which is needed to support growth.
It’s proposed to replace the current Section 106 Agreement system for securing contributions towards infrastructure, meaning a flat rate would be paid by developers per square metre of gross internal floorspace in liable developments, rather than by negotiating a lump-sum figure. Section 106 Agreements however will remain for the negotiation of Affordable Housing and other site specific mitigations.
CIL is non-negotiable and would be used to fund specific infrastructure listed in the council’s Draft Regulation 123 List and to help implement the policies of the East Devon Local Plan if it is approved. Among the items on the list are transport projects, health centres, libraries, sports facilities, Clyst Valley Regional Park and more.
The council’s proposals for CIL include different costs per square metre in different places, in order to reflect the different levels of viability for development found around the district.
All the CIL information is available to view or download online at www.eastdevon.gov.uk/cil and views are being sought until 12 noon on Friday 12 July. People can have their say on the proposals by writing to CIL@eastdevon.gov.uk or CIL Consultation, East Devon District Council, Knowle, Sidmouth, Devon, EX10 8HL.
The consultation documents are The CIL Draft Charging Schedule (DCS), Draft Regulation 123 List, and Draft Infrastructure Delivery Plan (IDP). It is the final consultation on the CIL charging schedule. All responses received at this stage will be submitted alongside the documents for examination by an independent planning inspector; which will run alongside the separate Local Plan examination.
The council has contacted nearly 3,000 individuals and organisations to seek their views on the CIL proposals, with groups including parish councils, other local authorities, infrastructure providers, interest groups and planning agents, along with many members of the public who have responded on planning isses before.
Copies of the consultation documents and all the relevant evidence are available at the council’s Knowle HQ in Sidmouth, and at libraries all over East Devon.
The proposed charges per square metre of development are:
Residential development:
Axminster, Cranbrook (‘existing’ town), Exmouth, Honiton, Ottery St Mary, Seaton and edge of Exeter allocation sites (defined by new Built-up Area Boundaries and proposed Strategic Allocations) - £80
Allocated Cranbrook expansion areas (as defined in the New Local Plan) - £68
Sidmouth, Coast, and Rural (the rest of East Devon) - £125
Retail development:
Inside Town Centre Shopping Areas (as defined in the New Local Plan) - £0
Rest of East Devon - £150
Other non-residential development would not attract a CIL charge.
Cllr Andrew Moulding, Deputy Leader of East Devon District Council said: “CIL will ensure that new developments help fund many of the things East Devon needs to grow in a sustainable and appropriate way.
“Our draft Infrastructure Delivery Plan sets out the infrastructure needs for the district. Alongside other funding sources, CIL would go directly to making sure these projects happen, providing the district with the right infrastructure in the right places.
“It’s a complex scheme and in some places it’s quite a delicate issue, so we do want to be sure that people have their say not only to us but to the independent inspector who will examine our plans.”
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