Agenda Item 6
CABINET
Tuesday 2 October 2018
COMMUNITY INFRASTRUCTURE LEVY SPEND (CAB 36/18)
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
1. CIL1 was introduced in Suffolk Coastal in July 2015, since then the Council has been collecting funds. from new development which can help deliver infrastructure projects to facilitate growth across the district.
2. In2 December 2016, the Council agreed the annual CIL spend process to consider how CIL fu. nds will be spent.
3. This3 report provides details of the engagement that has been undertaken with infrastructure service. providers, town and parish councils and local community groups to identify appropriate projects on which CIL funds could be spent in the financial year 2018/19.
4. A recommendation is provided by the Local Plan Working Group to release CIL funds for a number of projects in the 2018/19 financial year which were considered appropriate as a result of the engagement process with infrastructure service providers, town and parish councils and local community groups. It is recommended to bank the remaining CIL funds.
Is the report Open or Exempt? Open
Wards Affected: All
Cabinet Member: Cllr Tony Fryatt Cabinet Member responsible for Planning
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Supporting Officer: Conor Crowther Planning Policy Officer – Policy & Delivery 01394 444588 [email protected]
Mark Edgerley Principal Planner – Policy and Delivery 01394 444558 [email protected]
1 INTRODUCTION 1.1 Suffolk Coastal District Council introduced the Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) on the 13th Jul 5, follo i g the adoptio of the Cou il s CIL Cha gi g “ hedule Full Council on 28th May 2015. 1.2 Since the introduction of the Charging Schedule, CIL is the main way in which the Council now collects financial contributions from developers for the provision of infrastructure to support the development outlined in the Local Plan. CIL charges have largely replaced the old system of S106 planning obligations, although these are still used for site specific infrastructure and the provision of affordable housing. 1.3 Since the Council started collecting CIL, £2,960,055.89 has been received (as at 1st April 2018). CIL funds are only paid once a development commences and developers can pay via instalments over a set period. As a result, it takes a number of years (and a good rate of housing delivery) for a local authority to generate significant sums of money from the levy. 1.4 CIL funds collected and to be spent (or banked) on infrastructure planned to support the development outlined in the Cou il s Lo al Pla a e held the Dist i t Cou il. 1.5 Suffolk Coastal District Council has the responsibility for prioritising the spending of the CIL money across the district. The national regulations outline that CIL must be spent on infrastructure to support the overall development of the area as detailed within the Cou il s Lo al Pla . I f ast u tu e can include items such as roads, cycling and pedestrian routes, library facilities, schools, flooding and coastal defence works and open space. CIL cannot be spent on correcting any deficits in existing provision unless these deficits are made worse by new developments in the area. In such a circumstance the levels of CIL spend would need to be limited to covering the pressure placed on the infrastructure by new development alone. CIL can also be spent on projects outside of the District boundary so long as they benefit development in the District. 1.6 CIL will not generate (and was never expected to generate) sufficient funds to completely cover the cost of new infrastructure needed to fully support the level of growth planned across the district.
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1.7 The Council agreed that decisions on what to spend CIL on should be made through an annual programming process supported by an annually updated infrastructure plan which is included in Appendix 1 to this report. Recommendations on what to spend CIL on are made by the Council's Local Plan Working Group and the final decision is made by the Council's Cabinet. Full details on the process are included in Appendix A of the CIL Infrastructure Plan (Appendix 1 to this report). This process was approved by Cabinet in December 2016. 1.8 The decision made by Cabinet will be published and where necessary funds allocated accordingly. Further information will also be included within the Authority Monitoring Report (AMR) which the Planning and Coastal Management Service Area publish each year to demonstrate the progress and performance of the Local Plan policies. Relationship to Section 106 Planning Obligations and the Regulation 123 list 1.9 The CIL Regulations are clear that developers are not to be double charged (Section 106 planning obligations and CIL) for a piece or type of infrastructure. To ensure the Council over come this, the Regulation 123 List was published alongside the CIL Charging Schedule in July 2015. The Regulation 123 List sets out the type of infrastructure that the Council may fund through CIL. As a result, infrastructure identified on the Regulation 123 List cannot then be provided through the use of Section 106 planning obligations. 1.10 The Regulation 123 List published alongside the CIL Charging Schedule in July 2015 covers most types of infrastructure, which reduces the need for Section 106 planning obligations. However, there are a variety of circumstances where the Council still needs to use Section 106 planning obligations, such as to ensure the appropriate level of infrastructure is delivered to support the Adastral Park development and to secure affordable housing provision. 1.11 Funds collected by Section 106 planning obligations will be kept separate from the CIL pot as they are specific to addressing the impacts of the developments to which they relate. Funds already collected through Section 106 planning obligations secured prior to the introduction of CIL are also kept separate and will continue to be used in accordance with the agreements to which they relate. 1.12 The Regulation 123 List can be amended at any time by the Council as priorities and circumstances change over the plan period. Delegated authority in the CIL report presented to Full Council on 28th May 2015 (CL14/15) has been given to the Cabinet Member with responsibility for Planning in consultation with the Head of Planning & Coastal Management to make changes to the Regulation 123 List when necessary to ensure the continued effective operation of the CIL and the Section 106 planning obligations regime. Neighbourhood Funding 1.13 The CIL ‘egulatio s e ui e that the Dist i t Cou il passes a ea i gful p opo tio of the CIL receipts generated within a particular area to the relevant Town/Parish Council as Neigh ou hood Fu di g . 1.14 The meaningful proportion is defined as 15% of CIL receipts raised in parishes where the e is o ade Neigh ou hood Pla . The 5% is su je t to a a ual ap hi h is equi ale t to £ pe e isti g d elli g i that Pa ish. I a eas he e the e is a ade Neighbourhood Plan (currently Rendlesham, Framlingham, Leiston, Great Bealings, Melton, Martlesham and Wenhaston-with-Mells), 25% of CIL receipts raised in that parish will be passed to the local Town/Parish Council. There is no annual cap in areas where a Neighbourhood Plan is in place.
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1.15 Neighbourhood Funds can be spent on anything which addresses the demands that development places on areas and is not just limited to infrastructure. Should a local community desire, Neighbourhood Funds could be spent on developing a Neighbourhood Plan for their area. 1.16 The CIL Regulations dictate that funds are to be passed to Town/Parish Councils twice a year, in April and October. In April 2016, the District Council passed the first payments onto Town/Parish Councils which totalled £12,440.45 to 9 different parishes, including Rendlesham as a Neighbourhood Plan parish. In October 2016, a further £17,708.04 was paid to 7 different parishes. In April 2017, a sum of £101,783.34 was paid to 14 different parishes. In October 2017, a sum of £278,799.72 was paid to 19 different parishes, including Rendlesham as a Neighbourhood Plan parish. In April 2018, a sum of £57,519.86 was paid to 18 different parishes, including Leiston as a Neighbourhood Plan parish.
2 CRITERIA AND PRIORITISATION FOR CIL FUNDING 2.1 In order to determine which projects are allocated CIL funding each year, the Cabinet agreed a CIL Spend process in December 2016. This process includes criteria and prioritisation requirements to assist with decision making. 2.2 The CIL Infrastructure Plan sets out which projects are eligible for CIL funding. Only projects that support the growth outlined in the Local Plan (made up of the Core Strategy, the Site Allocations and Area Specific Policies DPD and the Felixstowe Peninsula AAP) a d ade Neigh ou hood Plans are included in the Infrastructure Plan. In order for a project to receive CIL funding, it should: Be a t pe of i f ast u tu e i luded o the Cou il s ‘egulatio List, Be identified in the latest Infrastructure Plan, Be a project on which work can usually start or be committed to within the current financial year, Be broadly in line with the phasing of infrastructure outlined in the Infrastructure Plan unless there are exceptional reasons for earlier/later delivery. 2.3 Projects which can utilise funding from other sources may be favoured, where those funds may not be available in future years. Projects will also be prioritised where it can be demonstrated that the particular infrastructure would otherwise not be delivered (for example, if no other possible sources of funding are available). 2.4 Where major developments have taken place and result in particular infrastructure needs that cannot be addressed by Section 106 planning obligations, funding of that infrastructure may need to be prioritised to accord with delivery of the development. Such considerations will be particularly important where the CIL funds generated from a development have been a material planning consideration that has been given weight in the determination of that application. 2.5 Projects are classified based on their ability to meet the criteria for critical, essential and desirable infrastructure to support development:
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Critical infrastructure is infrastructure that is needed to unlock development sites allocated in the Local Plan (i.e. without the infrastructure the development cannot physically take place). Essential infrastructure is the infrastructure that is necessary to support and mitigate development and ensures policy objectives of the Local Plan are met (such as meeting the green space requirements of Core Strategy Policy SP16 and SP17). Development could take place without this infrastructure but its sustainability would be undermined. Desirable infrastructure is infrastructure that could support development in the Local Plan and make it more sustainable and help deliver other place-making objectives. However, development planned in the Local Plan could take place sustainably without it. 2.6 Although desirable infrastructure is not necessarily required to deliver sustainable development, it does not mean that it should be discounted from the CIL Spend process. As the CIL spend process evolves the Council, for example, may wish to consider identifying a specific pot of CIL money to fund desi a le i f ast u tu e p ojects. However, it will always remain important to look ahead over a longer time period to e su e that the deli e of the iti al a d esse tial i f ast u tu e to suppo t g o th can be funded when required. This will require on-going and close liaison with infrastructure providers, town and parish councils and local community groups to ensure that their projects are sufficiently developed to bid for CIL funds at the appropriate time. 2.7 The Council do always have the option, as part of the annual spend programme, to make the decision not to spend any CIL funds so that sufficient funds can accrue for the more costly infrastructure projects in future years
3 CIL INFRASTRUCTURE PLAN FOR 2018/19 3.1 The CIL Infrastructure Plan for 2018/2019 is included in Appendix 1 to this report. The Infrastructure Plan outlines the infrastructure which is needed to support development planned fo i the Cou il s Lo al Pla along with the Rendlesham, Framlingham, Leiston, Great Bealings, Melton, Martlesham and Wenhaston-with-Mells Neighbourhood Plans. 3.2 Following the publication of the CIL accounts in December 2017, the Council engaged with infrastructure providers, town and parish councils and local community groups to understand any infrastructure needs arising from development commenced in the previous year. 3.3 The table below outlines those organisations who were contacted in respect of CIL projects. 3.4 Infrastructure Providers Internal Departments Suffolk County Council Economic Development NHS England Midlands and East Transport & Infrastructure (East) Coastal Management
Suffolk Constabulary Network Rail
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Highways England Cadent Gas Ltd National Grid Environment Agency UK Power Networks Suffolk Coastal Norse Anglian Water Leiston GP Practice East of England Ambulance Trust
3.5 Town and Parish Councils across the District were also invited to engage with the CIL spend process to identify any infrastructure requirements within their towns or parishes. In contacting Town and Parish Councils, the Council provided a CIL Project Proposal form which detailed the information required. 3.6 All infrastructure providers relating to both Suffolk Coastal and Waveney were contacted on an East Suffolk basis. This was done in order to avoid both Councils sending separate emails to the same infrastructure provider. The CIL Project Proposal form was not disseminated to infrastructure providers as they are more familiar with the CIL Spend process and the information required. This, however, may be re-considered going forward. 3.7 Projects were identified from the Infrastructure tables in the Local Plan Core Strategy 2013, Felixstowe Peninsula Area Action Plan 2017, Suffolk Coastal District Council Infrastructure Delivery Plan 2014 and the relevant ade Neighbourhood Plans. Some projects were also identified through consultation with infrastructure providers, town and parish councils and local community groups. 3.8 As a result, the Council has been able to identify a range of projects as seen in the CIL Infrastructure Plan (Appendix 1). The projects are listed and information provided on whether it is critical, essential or desirable alongside anticipated costings. The information within the CIL Infrastructure Plan has informed considerations and recommendations for CIL spend and/or banking of CIL funds. 3.9 There are also a number of projects which do not have full details or cost information worked up as yet. Future annual revisions will add detail to these projects as they develop. In exceptional circumstances, there may be a need to release CIL funds to contribute towards urgent or unforeseen infrastructure requirements after the annual spending plan has been consulted upon and agreed by Cabinet. In these cases, a report will be taken to Cabinet for approval for the release of additional funds at the appropriate time. 3.10 The CIL Infrastructure Plan outlines the CIL statement of accounts as of 1st April 2018. At present there is £2,388,167.59 available to spend which has accrued since 2015. This figure includes a deduction of 5% for administrative costs incurred by the Council, a deduction of the CIL Spend for 2017/2018 and a deduction of 15% and/or 25% for Town and/or Parish Councils as detailed in para 1.14 and 1.16.
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4 EMERGING PROJECTS FOR CIL SPEND THIS YEAR 4.1 The accumulation of CIL funds since 2015 means that some funding could be released during the coming financial year to help finance projects that qualify for CIL funding under the Regulation 123 List. The following projects, which were assessed based on the criteria outlined in paragraph 2.2, have emerged from the CIL Infrastructure Plan as contenders for CIL funding this financial year: 4.2 Based on best practice and the number of projects proposed for CIL funding this year, the Council has decided to take the approach of applying conditions of payment (similar to planning conditions) to each project allocated CIL funding. The expectation being that these conditions are fulfilled before the releasing of CIL funds. In this respect, the Council intends to develop standardised conditions of payment going forward. New Pedestrian Crossing outside the Primary School – Trimley St Mary: 4.3 Trimley St Mary Parish Council and Suffolk County Council both submitted this project for CIL funding. This indicated a strong need for a pedestrian crossing in Trimley St Mary. Added to this, in their CIL Project Proposal form, the Parish Council indicated that a survey carried out in 2017 demonstrated that the issue of a pedestrian crossing was of most concern for parishioners. The County Council have also provided photographic evidence of the precise location of the proposed pedestrian crossing. 4.4 Council records show that 72 dwellings have been completed in Trimley St Mary in the last 4 years. The latest Housing Land Supply Assessment for Suffolk Coastal estimates up to 97 dwellings will be completed within the next four years, 38 of which are estimated to be completed within the next year. This represents an increase in the rate of housing completion over the next four years compared to the previous four years. Further to this, a large proportion of the estimated housing completions are expected to occur over the next 2 years. 4.5 Both Trimley St Mary Parish Council and Suffolk County Council initially submitted differing estimated costs for this project. However, after consultation with both stakeholders it was determined that the estimated cost for this project amounted to £65,000. 4.6 It has since been confirmed by both Trimley St Mary Parish Council and Suffolk County Council that they are applying for CIL funding equivalent to 69% of the estimated cost which amounts to £45,000. The remaining costs will be supplied by Trimley St Mary Parish Council through their local CIL funds. 4.7 Suffolk County Council and Trimley St Mary Parish Council have chosen a traditional puffin crossing fitted with modern vehicle detection equipment. 4.8 Project Criteria Assessment: The Regulation 123 list allows for the provision of strategic pedestrian infrastructure which encompasses the purpose of this project. The project has not been specifically identified in the SCDC Infrastructure Delivery Plan 2014; however, the project has been identified in the Felixstowe Peninsula Area Action Plan. The Felixstowe Peninsula AAP Infrastructure Framework has indicated that the long term development and growth of the Peninsula will be limited without enhancements to (amongst other things) pedestrian facilities. The Parish Council have indicated the need to commence the project within the financial year. The County Council are also keen to meet these timescales.
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The project has ee lassified as desi a le as it is ot e ui ed to e su e poli objectives in the Local Plan are met but adds to the sustainability of the village. 4.9 Recommended Conditions of Payment: Require a written agreement between Suffolk County Council and Trimley St Mary Parish Council detailing the finalised pedestrian crossing. Request three quotes from Suffolk County Council for the cost of a pedestrian crossing in this area. Enter into a legal agreement with Trimley St Mary Parish Council that states the CIL monies must be returned if the project is not completed as agreed within 5 years from the date of the Cabinet decision. Walkway Routes - Framlingham: 4.10 Framlingham Town Council have indicated a need for a contribution of CIL monies to a Walkway Routes project identified in the Framlingham Neighbourhood Plan 2016-2031 (Policy FRAM14). FRAM14 seeks to improve access to key facilities within Framlingham and ensure that non-car users have alternative routes to the existing road network. It identifies specific key routes to achieve this. The local MP has also demonstrated his support for this project. 4.11 Council records show that 219 dwellings have been completed in Framlingham in the last 7 years. The latest Housing Land Supply Assessment for Suffolk Coastal estimates up to 328 dwellings will be completed within the next four years, 123 of which are estimated to be completed within the next year. This represents a significant increase in the rate of housing completion which will subsequently increase the pressure on the pedestrian network. 4.12 The overall cost of this project is estimated at £220,000; the estimated cost of the first phase of the project is £107,000. The first phase of the project involves the construction of new pedestrian crossings on Station Road and College Road, pedestrian refuge islands on Pembroke Road and Victoria Mill Road and the Pigs Meadow footpath from New Road to College Road (which has been completed). 4.13 Framlingham Town Council have agreed to part fund this project by contributing approximately £14,000 to the cost of the project. The Town Council are currently in discussions with Suffolk County Council regarding the use of Section 106 monies from a pre-CIL development at Station Road for a pedestrian crossing which amounts to approximately £38,000. 4.14 The Town Council are applying for CIL funding of £55,000 which amounts to 25% of the overall cost of the project and 51% of the cost for the first phase of the project. 4.15 Project Criteria Assessment: The Regulation 123 list allows for the provision of strategic pedestrian infrastructure which encompasses the purpose of this project. The project has not been identified in the SCDC Infrastructure Delivery Plan 2014 but has been identified in the Framlingham Neighbourhood Plan which is part of the Local Plan. Works have already commenced on this project. This project has been classified as esse tial as it is e essa to suppo t a d mitigate development. However, development can be undertaken in its absence. 19
4.16 Recommended Conditions of Payment: Require a written legal agreement between Suffolk County Council and Framlingham Town Council stating that the Section 106 monies will be spent on a pedestrian crossing at Station Road as part of the wider Walkways Routes project within the timeline indicated by the Town Council. Request three separate quotes from Framlingham Town Council for the cost of the Walkway Routes as outlined in the CIL Project Proposal form and Framlingham Neighbourhood Plan. Request a business case for the Walkways Project including a detailed breakdown of costs. Enter into a legal agreement with Framlingham Town Council that states the CIL monies must be returned if the project is not completed as agreed within 5 years from the date of the Cabinet decision. Playford Road Traffic Calming Scheme – Rushmere St Andrew: 4.17 Rushmere St Andrew Parish Council have indicated that there is a need for a contribution of CIL monies to a traffic calming project for the part of Playford Road within the parish of Rushmere St Andrew, specifically between No. 37a and No. 181 Playford Road. The project involves the installation of speed cushions and a combination of other different features. This has been informed by a previously undertaken feasibility study. 4.18 Suffolk County Councillor Robert Whiting has been working with the Design Engineer at Suffolk County Council throughout the year on the proposed project. Suffolk County Council have indicated that they would not object to CIL funding for this project and that it would not effect their Transport Strategy.
4.19 Recent developments to sports facilities in the immediate vicinity of this area have contributed to increased use of Playford Road. On a wider perspective, Council records show that approximately 391 dwellings have been completed in the East of Ipswich area in the last 7 years. The latest Housing Land Supply Assessment for Suffolk Coastal estimates up to 442 dwellings will be completed within this area in the next five years. This level of development, along with the expected delivery of 2,000 dwellings at the Brightwell Lakes development, will lead to increased pressure on Playford Road which is u e tl used as a at u oto ists atte pti g to a oid peak hou t affi . 20
4.20 The estimated cost of the project equates to £61,050. The Parish Council are seeking £45,200 in CIL funding which accounts for approximately 74% of the project cost. The remaining cost will be funded by both the Parish Council and Suffolk County Councillor Robert Whiting. 4.21 Project Criteria Assessment: The Regulation 123 list allows for strategic highway improvements. Considering the fact that Playfo d ‘oad is used as a at u to a oid peak hou t affi alo g arterial routes into and out of Ipswich, it is felt that this project constitutes strategic highway improvements. The project has not been specifically identified in the SCDC Infrastructure Delivery Plan 2014; however, the project complies with a number of policies in the Local Plan. The CIL Project Proposal form indicates that the project is expected to commence in 2018. This p oje t has ee lassified as esse tial as it is e essa to support and mitigate development. However, development can be undertaken in its absence. 4.22 Recommended Conditions of Payment: Require a written agreement between Suffolk County Council and Rushmere St Andrew Parish Council detailing the traffic calming measures to be undertaken. Request three separate quotes from Rushmere St Andrew Parish Council for the cost of the Traffic Calming Scheme as outlined in the CIL Project Proposal form. Request a full copy of the feasibility study which should provide a detailed breakdown of costs. Enter into a legal agreement with Rushmere St Andrew Parish Council that states the CIL monies must be returned if the project is not completed as agreed within 5 years from the date of the Cabinet decision.
“t Mi hael s Rooms Community Centre Project - Framlingham: 4.23 Framlingham Town Council have indicated a need for a contribution of CIL monies to a project i ol i g the o e sio of “t Mi hael s Rooms to a Community Centre. St Mi hael s Rooms is currently owned and managed by the Parochial Church Council. The Town Council are presently negotiating a long term lease with the Church Council, hoped to be in the region of 99 years in length. The legal team of Suffolk Coastal District Council has advised that a lease for a minimum of 35 years would be in line with best practice. 4.24 Works will involve the demolition of the current structure which is in a poor state of repair and the construction of a modern purpose built facility. Architectural drawings have been prepared to replace the building with the same footprint. Public information events are due to take place in September/October 2018 presenting the proposed plans and seeking feedback. Once built, the Town Council will own the building and the Centre will be run on a charitable basis. 4.25 Council records show that 219 dwellings have been completed in Framlingham in the last 7 years. The latest Housing Land Supply Assessment for Suffolk Coastal estimates up to 328 dwellings will be completed within the next four years, 123 of which are estimated to 21
be completed within the next year. This represents a significant increase in the rate of housing completion which will subsequently increase the pressure on community facilities in the area. 4.26 The need for a new Community Centre is clearly identified in the Framlingham Neighbourhood Plan 2016-2031. Although Policy FRAM22 specifically allocates a site for the new Community Centre, which has since been discounted by the local community, the premise of the need for a new Community Centre in Framlingham should not be negated. 4.27 The local MP, Thomas Mills High School, Framlingham College and Framlingham Community Baptist Church have expressed their support for this project. 4.28 The overall cost of this project is estimated at £840,000. Framlingham Town Council have agreed to part fund this project by contributing approximately £126,000 to the cost of the project. £14,000 of donations will also be used to part fund this project. 4.29 The Town Council are applying for CIL funding of £700,000 which amounts to 83% of the overall cost of the project. 4.30 Project Criteria Assessment: The Regulation 123 list allows for the provision of leisure and community facilities which encompasses the purpose of this project. The project has not been identified in the SCDC Infrastructure Delivery Plan 2014 but the premise of a new Community Centre has been identified in the Framlingham Neighbourhood Plan which is part of the Local Plan. Works are scheduled to commence on this project within the financial year. This p oje t has ee lassified as esse tial as it is e essa to suppo t a d mitigate development. However, development can be undertaken in its absence. 4.31 Recommended Conditions of Payment: Require a grant of permission for the demolition and redevelopment of the e isti g uildi g “t Mi hael s ‘oo s . Request evidence of an agreed long term lease between the Town Council and the Parochial Chu h Cou il fo the la d at “t Mi hael s ‘oo s. Request three separate quotes from Framlingham Town Council for the cost of the Community Centre project as outlined in the CIL Project Proposal form and Framlingham Neighbourhood Plan. Request a business case for the Community Centre project including a detailed breakdown of costs. Enter into a legal agreement with Framlingham Town Council that states the CIL monies must be returned if the project is not completed as agreed within 5 years from the date of the Cabinet decision. Village Hall Refurbishment – Easton & Letheringham: 4.32 Easton & Letheringham Village Hall have indicated a need for a contribution of CIL monies to a project involving the refurbishment of a toilet block within the Village Hall. This is the final stage of an 8 year strategy to refurbish the whole Village Hall which is approximately 150 years old. Substantial fundraising efforts resulted in the raising of approximately £80,000 over time which was used for refurbishment works to date. 22
4.33 Council records show that 4 dwellings have been completed in Easton in the last 17 years. The latest Housing Land Supply Assessment for Suffolk Coastal estimates up to 14 dwellings will be completed within the next 2 years. This represents a significant increase in the rate of housing completion for a village such as Easton and will subsequently lead to increased pressure on community facilities. 4.34 Easton & Letheringham Village Hall are applying for CIL funding equivalent to 79% of the estimated cost which amounts to £38,000. The remaining costs will be supplied by Easton & Letheringham Village Hall through their Village Hall reserves. The estimated cost of the project is £48,000. 4.35 Project Criteria Assessment: The Regulation 123 list allows for the provision of leisure and community facilities which encompasses the purpose of this project. The project has not been specifically identified in the SCDC Infrastructure Delivery Plan 2014; however, the project complies with a number of policies in the Local Plan. The Parish Council have indicated that the project can be commenced within the financial year. The p oje t has ee lassified as desi a le as it is ot e ui ed to e su e poli objectives in the Local Plan are met but adds to the sustainability of the village. 4.36 Recommended Conditions of Payment: Request a business case for the Village Hall refurbishment including a detailed breakdown of costs. Request three separate quotes from Easton & Letheringham Village Hall for the cost of the toilet block refurbishment as outlined in the CIL Project Proposal form. Enter into a legal agreement with Easton & Letheringham Village Hall that states the CIL monies must be returned if the project is not completed as agreed within 5 years from the date of the Cabinet decision. Jetty Lane Community Centre – Woodbridge: 4.37 Jetty Lane Community Interest Company (CIC) have indicated a need for a contribution of CIL monies to a project involving the construction of a new Youth, Arts and Community Centre at the site of the former Woodbridge Youth and Community Resources Centre. The land is owned by Suffolk County Council who have agreed to grant a 125 year lease to Jetty Lane CIC. 4.38 A pre-planning application was submitted to Suffolk Coastal District Council (DC/PREAPP/18/1024). Jetty Lane CIC received positive feedback as a result of this application and have since submitted a planning application for full planning permission (DC/18/3456/FUL). 4.39 Council records show that 376 dwellings have been completed in Woodbridge and its surrounding areas (Martlesham & Melton) in the last 7 years. The latest Housing Land Supply Assessment for Suffolk Coastal estimates up to 377 dwellings will be completed in Woodbridge and its surrounding areas within the next 4 years. This represents acceleration in housing growth that will ultimately increase the strain on community facilities in the area in the near future.
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4.40 The Local Plan identifies Woodbridge as a Market Town. Policy SP26 of the Core Strategy spe ifi all states that Wood idge should p o ide a balanced range of provision to meet the needs of residents - both locally and from the rural catchment area . Community facilities in Woodbridge would normally support local residents and residents of surrounding rural communities. 4.41 Jetty Lane CIC are applying for CIL funding equivalent to 6% of the estimated cost of the whole project which amounts to £188,800. This relates wholly to the pre-construction costs of the project. The remaining costs will be supplied through donations and other fundraising efforts. The estimated cost of the whole project is £3,140,000. 4.42 Jetty Lane CIC is currently undertaking substantial fundraising efforts and has provided a timeline of all of its fundraising efforts to date along with a comprehensive business plan including a detailed breakdown of costs. 4.43 Project Criteria Assessment: The Regulation 123 list allows for the provision of leisure and community facilities which encompasses the purpose of this project. The SCDC Infrastructure Delivery Plan 2014 identifies a need for new community centres across the District but does not detail any specific timing measures. Jetty Lane CIC have indicated that the project can be commenced within the financial year. This p oje t has ee lassified as esse tial as it is e essa to suppo t a d mitigate development. However, development can be undertaken in its absence. 4.44 Recommended Conditions of Payment: Enter into a legal/written agreement with Jetty Lane CIC stating that the allocation of CIL funding will not prejudice any decision made at planning committee. Request proof of the lease agreement with Suffolk County Council. Request three separate quotes from Jetty Lane CIC for the cost of the Community Centre as outlined in the CIL Project Proposal form. Enter into a legal agreement with Jetty Lane CIC that states the CIL monies must be returned if the project is not completed as agreed within 5 years from the date of the Cabinet decision. Renovation of flood defence wall at Flood Cell 01 – Deben Estuary: 4.45 The Deben Estuary Partnership have indicated a need for a contribution of CIL monies to a project involving the renovation of a flood defence wall at Flood Cell 01 between Bawdsey Quay and Ramsholt (see Figure 1). The works will deliver a protection for a surge of 3.8 metres for 2 hours in a 1 in 75 year event at year 2050. Works will be undertaken on a 4km stretch of wall.
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Figure 1 Deben Estuary Flood Cell Map - Flood Cell 01 4.46 Although the projected housing growth and recent housing delivery at the mouth of the River Deben is relatively low, the value of this area to new development as a tourism and amenity destination is recognised in the Deben Estuary Plan. Further to this, the wider estuarine system and the natural capital it provides would be compromised if this flood defence wall were to be breached. A breach of the flood defence wall would also be detrimental to existing flood defences and would lead to an increase in coastal erosion as stated in the Deben Estuary Plan. 4.47 The Deben Estuary Plan specifically states that the more immediate action will be to develop schemes and secure funding to manage the existing defences for FC1 and FC4 . Flood Cell 01 can therefore be considered one of the highest priority flood cells on this basis. 4.48 The Deben Estuary Partnership is applying for CIL funding equivalent to 10.5% of the estimated cost of the whole project which amounts to £126,200. This relates wholly to the pre-construction costs of the project. The remaining costs will be supplied through Deben Estuary Partnership reserves and enabling development. The estimated cost of the whole project is £1,200,000. 4.49 The Deben Estuary Partnership have earmarked three sites for enabling development in order to produce the minimum amount of development required to meet the final funding shortfall. These sites will all be subject to planning applications in the future.
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4.50 The Deben Estuary Partnership is currently undertaking substantial fundraising efforts and has provided a detailed breakdown of costs. Flood Cell mapping and a Flood Cell Survivability Report were also submitted as supporting documents. 4.51 Project Criteria Assessment: The Regulation 123 list allows for the provision of flooding and coastal defence works which encompasses the purpose of this project. The SCDC Infrastructure Delivery Plan 2014 identifies a need for flood defences at the mouth of the Deben Estuary. The likely start date for works to these defences ranges from 2015-2021. The Deben Estuary Partnership have indicated that the project can be commenced within the financial year. This p oje t has ee lassified as esse tial as it is e essa to suppo t a d mitigate development. However, development can be undertaken in its absence. 4.52 Recommended Conditions of Payment: Enter into a legal/written agreement with the Deben Estuary Partnership stating that the allocation of CIL funding will not prejudice any decision made at planning committee. Request three separate quotes from the Deben Estuary Partnership for the cost of the Flood Defence Renovation as outlined in the CIL Project Proposal form. Enter into a legal agreement with the Deben Estuary Partnership that states the CIL monies must be returned if the project is not completed as agreed within 5 years from the date of the Cabinet decision. Recreation Ground Car Park Resurfacing – Ufford: 4.53 Ufford Parish Council have indicated a need for a contribution of CIL monies to a project involving the resurfacing of the car park for the recreation ground in Ufford. Photographic evidence has been provided detailing the current state of the car park. Works will include resurfacing of the whole car park, the provision of kerbs and parking bays. 4.54 Council records show that 12 dwellings have been completed in Ufford in the last 7 years. The latest Housing Land Supply Assessment for Suffolk Coastal estimates up to 41 dwellings will be completed in Ufford within the next 2 years. This represents a significant increase in the rate of housing completion for a village such as Ufford and will subsequently lead to increased pressure on recreational facilities. 4.55 Ufford Parish Council are applying for CIL funding equivalent to 10% of the estimated cost of the whole project which amounts to £3,000. The remaining costs will be supplied through Parish Council funds and other funding sources. The estimated cost of the whole project is £28,000. 4.56 Project Criteria Assessment: The Regulation 123 list allows for the provision of leisure and community facilities which encompasses the purpose of this project. The project has not been specifically identified in the SCDC Infrastructure Delivery Plan 2014; however, the project complies with a number of policies in the Local Plan.
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Ufford Parish Council have indicated that the project can be delivered within the financial year. The p oje t has ee lassified as desi a le as it is ot e ui ed to e su e poli objectives in the Local Plan are met but adds to the sustainability of the village. 4.57 Recommended Conditions of Payment: Request a business case for the Car Park resurfacing including a detailed breakdown of costs. Request three separate quotes from Ufford Parish Council for the cost of the Car Park resurfacing as outlined in the CIL Project Proposal form. Enter into a legal agreement with Ufford Parish Council that states the CIL monies must be returned if the project is not completed as agreed within 5 years from the date of the Cabinet decision. Local Plan Working Group Recommendation 4.58 The Local Plan Working Group, as part of their role, considered and evaluated the projects above on the 27th July 2018. Further information was requested by members of the working group in relation to a number of proposed projects. On the 6th September 2018, the Local Plan Working Group considered and evaluated further information. They subsequently agreed a recommendation to Cabinet to supply CIL funding for the following projects: 1. New Pedestrian Crossing outside the Primary School – Trimley St Mary 2. Walkway Routes - Framlingham 3. Playford Road Traffic Calming Scheme – Rushmere St Andrew 4. St Mi hael s ‘oo s Co u it Ce t e P oje t - Framlingham 5. Village Hall Refurbishment – Easton & Letheringham 6. Jetty Lane Community Centre – Woodbridge 7. Renovation of flood defence wall at Flood Cell 01 – Deben Estuary 8. Recreation Ground Car Park Resurfacing – Ufford 4.59 The Local Plan Working Group recommends to Cabinet that a total of £1,201,200 of the CIL monies be released to spend on the abovementioned projects.
5 HOW DOES THIS RELATE TO EAST SUFFOLK BUSINESS PLAN? 5.1 The CIL spend programme and governance arrangements have many links to the East Suffolk Business Plan and the three-pronged strategy contained within it. 5.2 Enabling Communities – the introduction of CIL across the district ensures that local communities receive funds through the Neighbourhood Funds outlined in the CIL Regulations. These additional funds will further enable communities to feel proud of where they live and to support the services and infrastructure within their community. 5.3 Economic Growth – the CIL Charging Schedule was developed through detailed viability assessment of typical development seen across the district. Introducing CIL has not had an impact on the overall viability of development in the district and will generate funds which can be used to support the infrastructure requirements outlined in the East Suffolk Business Plan and other economic strategies such as the East Suffolk Growth Plan. 27
5.4 Financial self-sufficiency – the CIL Regulations allow for a local authority to retain some CIL funds to cover administrative costs. Retaining 5% of the CIL funds generated across the district will help cover the costs of the CIL programme and enable East Suffolk to become financially self-sufficient.
6 FINANCIAL AND GOVERNANCE IMPLICATIONS 6.1 Setting up and administrating the CIL spend programme and governance arrangements is covered in existing budgets. However, as described in para 5.4, 5% of CIL receipts can be retained each year to help cover these costs.
7 OTHER KEY ISSUES 7.1 Improving the CIL Spend Process - This is the Cou il s second year of undertaking the CIL Spend process and the first year using the CIL Project Proposal form. Likewise, Waveney has a similar length of experience. Other measures may be investigated to provide a better means of supporting the delivery of infrastructure in partnership with local communities. 7.2 The Council is also keeping abreast of developments nationally relating to the CIL process and any government changes will be considered and implemented accordingly. Notwithstanding this, the Council is also open to sharing learnings with other Councils across the country to further evolve the CIL process. Further work may include: Improving engagement with infrastructure providers to ensure detailed projects come forward in a timely way; Options for forward funding infrastructure, e.g. through borrowing against future CIL income; Investigating options and opportunities for using CIL as partnership funding to support neighbourhood funded town and parish projects; Options for having CIL budgets for specific types or categories of infrastructure, for example, those projects that may only be classed as desi a le ; Establishing a 5 year CIL Infrastructure Funding Statement that provides CIL forecasting rates and a greater level of certainty to infrastructure providers. This would be reviewed yearly and would replace the current yearly CIL Infrastructure Plan; Creating standardised conditions for the releasing of CIL funds to projects allocated CIL funding through the CIL Spend process; Standardisation of the CIL Spend process in consultation with other Local Authorities undertaking CIL across Suffolk; Improvements to the administrative system for CIL collection and spend, in line with best practice; Restructuring the CIL Project Proposal form; and Reviewing of CIL processes across East Suffolk, including a review of required resources. 7.3 CIL as East Suffolk: Any thoughts that are developed regarding the way forward for the CIL process will be brought to the Local Plan Working Group and, subsequently, the Cabinet; for consideration. 28
8 OTHER OPTIONS CONSIDERED 8.1 Members have the option of not approving or amending the proposals outlined within this report and banking the full amount of CIL monies collected as of April 2018 for use in future years.
9 REASON FOR RECOMMENDATIONS 9.1 All projects recommended for CIL spend have indicated an identified need for the project in the local and/or surrounding area. Some projects have been supported by Suffolk County Council or local stakeholders, which has further reinforced their need for CIL funding. 9.2 The majority of projects are located in areas projected to have increased housing growth in the coming years, apart from the Deben Estuary flood defence project which is justified based on its tourism, amenity and natural capital importance. See Appendix C of the CIL Infrastructure Plan (included as Appendix 1 to this report) for evidence of CIL liable housing growth in the parts of the District where projects are proposed. 9.3 Match funding has been identified for each recommended project. Some projects have involved substantial fund raising efforts which demonstrate a level of support for the project. Each project will be expected to meet a number of conditions of payment before the releasing of CIL funds. These conditions have been created in line with best practice and have been put in place to ensure the best value for money and to provide greater certainty to the Council. Some projects have been submitted with a large amount of detailed supporting evidence which has added to the certainty of the project coming to fruition. 9.4 It is recommended to bank the remaining CIL funds to ensure that sufficient CIL funds are available in future years to help meet the cost of infrastructure needed to support the de elop e t outli ed i the Cou il s Local Plan.
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RECOMMENDATIONS 1. That Cabinet endorses the Infrastructure Plan included at Appendix 1. 2. That Cabinet agrees to the releasing of £1,201,200 of CIL monies to enable the undertaking of 8 no. projects as detailed within this report. 3. That the remaining funds (£1,199,716.10) should be banked for use in future years. This will enable more funding to be available for projects in the future when they are ready to be delivered.
APPENDICES
Appendix 1 SCDC CIL Infrastructure Plan 2018/19
BACKGROUND PAPERS - Please note that copies of background papers have not been published on the Coun il’s e site ut opies of the a kground papers listed elo are a aila le for public inspection free of charge by contacting the relevant Council Department.
Date Type Available From
http://www.eastsuffolk.gov.uk/planning/community- 13/07/2015 Regulation 123 List infrastructure-levy/suffolk-coastal-community- infrastructure-levy-rates/
CIL Project Proposal N/A Forms & Supporting Planning Policy & Delivery Team – Upon Request Documents
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