Agenda and draft minutes

To receive any apologies for absence.

An apology for absence was received from Councillor Mrs C Kittow.

To approve the minutes of the previous meeting held on 19 November 2015.

The Minutes of the Meeting held on 19 November 2015 were agreed as a correct record and signed by the Chairman.

To consider any business, which by reason of special circumstances, the Chairman proposes to accept as urgent under Section 100(b)(4) of the Local Government Act, 1972.

There was no urgent business.

Please indicate if there are any interests which should be declared.  A declaration of an interest should indicate the nature of the interest (if not already declared on the Register of Interests) and the agenda item to which it relates.  If a disclosable pecuniary interest is declared, the member should withdraw from the room whilst the matter is discussed.

These declarations apply to all Members present, whether the Member is part of the meeting, attending to speak as a local Member on an item or simply observing the meeting from the public seating area.

There were no declarations of interest.

Members wishing to speak pursuant to Standing Order 34 should inform the Chairman of their intention to do so and on what items they wish to be heard before the meeting commences.  Any Member attending the meeting under Standing Order 34 will only be permitted to speak on those items which have been previously notified to the Chairman.

There were no Members present under Standing Order 34.

There was no Chairman’s Correspondence.

To receive comments, and recommendations from other Council bodies, and any responses subsequent to recommendations, which this Committee has previously made.  Some of the relevant Council bodies may meet after dispatch of the agenda.

Cabinet Decisions

The following item from the Cabinet agenda from 2 February 2016 is as follows:

1)         Cabinet Report – Community Infrastructure Levy:  Consultation on a Drafting Charging Schedule

The Chairman stated that he had asked for this item to be considered by the Committee as he had not attended the Panel meeting, however, he had attended the Cabinet meeting, but still had further questions to ask.

The Chairman asked for clarification on the different rates for the areas within the Borough.  The LDF Manager explained that the levy was paid ‘£ per square metre’ on all development containing over 100 square metres (internal) floorspace, or a new dwelling of any size  However, it only related to net additional floorspace. There were some exemptions e.g. charities, social housing and self-builds (a 3 year residence is mandatory). Rates could vary by geographic area or use (or both) based on viability.  The Levy became due when the development commenced.  It was noted that the landowner was responsible for paying it to the local planning authority who were called the ‘charging authority’ and who set the CIL Charging Schedule.

In response to further questions from the Chairman, Councillor Collop regarding consultation with Parish Councils, the Leader explained that the income received from CIL would provide the infrastructure required to support new development in the Borough.  A balance was therefore required as to what future development was required which was attractive to developers and would encourage home building.  The CIL rate varied as property values differed in locations throughout the Borough.  The Borough Council had devised a simple and easy to understand formula to ensure that the levy provided an income to provide the necessary infrastructure and to allow development which provided financial certainty to developers.

The Portfolio Holder, Development advised that a briefing session for Parish and Town Council had been scheduled for 29 February 2016 which would provide an update to Parish and Town Councils and an opportunity for those Councils to ask any questions. 

The LDF Manager provided an overview of the consultation exercise on the Preliminary Draft Charging Schedule which had been undertaken in January 2015 and involved Parish and Town Councils.

In response to questions from Councillor Collop, the Leader explained that the Council had to come up with a charging schedule which would attract development and give parishes infrastructure income.  It was highlighted that the Council had taken specialist advice in the preparation of a charging schedule.

Following further questions from Councillor Collop on the next steps, the LDF Manager advised that assuming Council adopted the drafting Charging Schedule on 25 February 2016, a six week consultation period would be commenced.  All representations made would be collated, following which the Planning Inspectorate would be contacted and an Independent Inspector appointed prior to the Examination.  If the Inspector determined that the CIL Charging Schedule was justified, the Council would implement the scheme.

Councillor Mrs Mellish commented that as a Ward Member in Downham Market she was surprised to learn that Downham Market was not in the higher rate category due to the significant amount of development taking place.  In response, the LDF Manager referred to a  ...  view the full minutes text for item CSC76

Thursday 17 March 2016 at 6.00 pm

The date of the next meeting was Thursday 17 March 2016 at 6.00 pm.