The Planning Officer (Policy) presented a report which advised Members that bids had been open from 29 July 2019 to 30 September 2019.  It was noted that new CIL Regulations had come into force on 1 September 2019, and that there had been a review of governance arrangements and an amendment to the terms of reference of the Board since the last time it had met.  Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) contributions had been collected on qualifying developments a percentage of which had been passed to Parish and Town Councils in the District.

An invitation for Bids had been sent out to all statutory infrastructure providers and interested parties.  The process for assessing applications was a two-stage process as set out in the council’s Constitution and all bids had been judged on merit.

Application A – Re-provision of White Oak Leisure Centre

The application sought £900,000.00 to fund replacing the existing White Oak Leisure Centre complex with a brand new facility. This was to be re-provided on the current site of the existing leisure centre. It was submitted to the CIL Spending Board that the existing leisure centre was coming to the end of its life given that it was now 53 years old (originally built in 1967).

Officers advised approval as the need for the scheme had been clearly demonstrated and there were a number of social, economic and environmental benefits. The proposal was formally identified in a number of plans and strategies and was supported by the local community. It was noted that the applicant was asking for a small amount of funding in comparison to the total project cost, and had not benefited from CIL funding previously.

The Board was addressed by the following speakers:

Members asked questions of the speaker with particular regard to availability of the financial figures.  In response to the various questions, Lesley Bowles confirmed that detailed work had been undertaken, however it would not be prudent to release these figures whilst midway through the procurement process.  Appraisals had been carried out of the development sites the capital receipts would be gained from, again these could not be shared due to market competition but they could be confident in an amount exceeding £12,000,000.  Final figures would be known in January 2020. If the bid was not successful cuts would need to be made to the design and quality of the finish.  The EU tender process was a good process to use and would not be affected by Brexit.  Officers advised Members of the difference between the application process for CIL bids and planning permission applications.

Application B – Bradbourne Lakes Landscape Improvement

The application sought £252,400.00 to fund a landscape improvement scheme.

Officers advised refusal as whilst the proposal demonstrated a clear public benefit, it did not maximise all sources of funding and the application did not  ...  view the full minutes text for item 5