Decision details

This report seeks Member agreement to the draft Infrastructure Investment Plan (a three-year programme 2022 - 2024) setting out how CIL funds will be prioritised for delivery of infrastructure projects and referral to Full Council for approval.

(During the debate on this item, Councillor Stanley declared a Personal Interest as a Member of Bognor Regis Town Council. Councillor Goodheart also declared a Personal Interest as a Member of Bognor Regis Town Council.)

Upon the invitation of the Chair, the Planning Policy Team Leader presented the report which sought agreement to the draft Infrastructure Investment Plan (a three-year programme for 2022-2024) which set out how Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) funds would be prioritised for delivery of infrastructure projects. The Plan was needed as the Council was now a CIL Charging Authority (from 1 April 2020) and had begun to receive CIL receipts. It was stressed that CIL funds must be spent on infrastructure that aimed to mitigate the impacts of development upon the District, and the process for this was previously approved at Full Council. It was noted that 5 schemes (‘the green list’) had been identified to be included in the Infrastructure Investment Plan [on pages 33-36 of the Agenda Pack].

The Chair drew Members’ attention to the fact that one of the 5 schemes [18/ADC/TI] was the subject of a petition going to Full Council on 26 January 2022. Members then took part in a full debate on the item where a number of points were raised including:

·       the lack of Bognor Regis-based schemes on the green list

·       the A29 realignment and the contribution of CIL funds to the scheme

·       the baseline list showing that the Council was delivering on infrastructure and the impacts of development within the District

·       improvements needed to Horsemere Green Lane and its connections to a deferred planning application on Ford Airfield and its Section 106 contributions

·       the likelihood of deliverability of schemes on the longer list over the period of the Plan

·       the relation between where CIL was generated and where projects were funded

The Planning Policy Team Leader provided Members with responses to all points raised during the debate. It was confirmed:

·       that all Town and Parish Councils were consulted and there were at least 3 consultation rounds

·       all proposals were judged against the same criteria, including whether it involved policy-identified infrastructure, evidence of cost of the scheme, are there delivery partners and a funding strategy, any evidence of design and feasibility

·       schemes on the green list needed to show not only infrastructure mitigating the development plan but also that they had serious chances of being funded within the 3-year period of the Plan

·       there was a variable percentage of CIL funds that may be devolved to Parish and Town Councils based upon whether they had a ‘made’ Neighbourhood Plan or not and whether CIL liable development had taken place within the Parish

·       that the IIP was comprised of the shortlist of 5 priory (green rated) projects with associated spend apportionment

·       that the baseline long list be published alongside the IIP on the website for transparency

The recommendation was then proposed by Councillor Hughes and seconded by Councillor Gunner. By majority vote,

The Committee

RECOMMEND TO FULL COUNCIL

That the Arun Infrastructure Investment Plan (for the period 2022-2024) be approved and published on the Council’s website.