Issue - meetings

(Relevant Portfolio Holder: Councillor G Owen)

Councillor Gaynar Owen introduced the report of the Corporate Director Place & Community, which sought approval for officers to commence work on a review of the Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) Charging Schedule.

The minute of the Executive Overview & Scrutiny Committee held on 24 February 2022 had been circulated prior to the meeting.

In reaching the decision below, Cabinet considered the details set out in the report before it and the reasons contained therein.

RESOLVED:   That approval be given for officers to commence work on a review of the West Lancashire Community Infrastructure Levy Charging Schedule.

To consider the report of the Corporate Director of Place and Community.

Consideration was given to the report of the Corporate Director of Place and Community as contained on pages 1533 to 1538 of the Book of Reports, which was to seek approval for officers to commence work on a review of the Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) Charging Schedule.

The Senior Planner and Section 106/CIL Officer outlined the report and explained that CIL was adopted in 2014 and informed that the Council has collected almost £15 million of CIL monies from new developments across the Borough.

She explained that an 'in principle' review of the CIL Charging Schedule is sought, to ensure it can be appropriately considered and viability tested against emerging Local Plan policies and growth / infrastructure requirements as the new Plan takes shape.

She explained that with the preparation of a new Local Plan, this provides an appropriate and timely opportunity to review the CIL Charging Schedule. The timing of the CIL Charging Schedule review, in particular the timing of the Examination will need to be determined in future once resources are confirmed at the time.

Comments and questions were raised in respect of the following:

·         Is it necessary to have approval now?

·         Viability evidence – consider and incorporate all other policy requirements

·         CIL Officer post vacant / resource issues

·         25% CIL from Burscough goes to Town Council – what rules apply on how to spend that (Councillor Pope thanked the Senior Planner and Section 106/CIL Officer for her work with Burscough Town Council)

The Chairman and Members of the Committee thanked the Senior Planner and Section 106/CIL Officer in recognition of all her work and huge input in respect of this and wished her well for the future.

RESOLVED: That the Committee note and support the report and that the report be passed to Cabinet for their consideration.