The Portfolio Holder presented the report which detailed the income and expenditure information for CIL and Section 106 contributions, and the infrastructure priorities for the coming year within the new Infrastructure Funding Statement. These priorities were not binding but provided transparency to the public on the Council’s spending intentions. They were determined through considering the Infrastructure Development Plan, the Local Plan, and what had been funded so far.

A revised NPPF had been published and the significant changes that were brought to the district included a 58% uplift in the housing target, the strengthening of national landscapes and considering of grey belt means that the development strategy would need to be looked at again. This was likely to have a significant impact on what infrastructure.

The spending priorities remained largely the same with the removal of the Bat & Ball junction improvements priority as this had been secured through the s106 for the Sevenoaks Quarry site. Members were advised that the Development & Conservation Advisory Committee had considered the same report and supported the recommended to Cabinet.

Members considered the report.

Public Sector Equality Duty

Members noted that consideration had been given to impacts under the Public Sector Equality Duty.

Resolved: That

(a)     the criteria for prioritising infrastructure projects as set out below should remain:

                                I.    The project should fall within the infrastructure types/projects identified in the IFS report.

                              II.    The project has been identified in the IDP. (This ensures that the infrastructure prioritised supports the Local Plan).

                             III.    The project supports and is clearly related to proposed site allocations or new development in the District. There is a strong link between development and the proposed project.

                            IV.    There is a strong social, environmental or economic justification for the proposed project.

                              V.    The project has not previously received CIL funding.

                            VI.    The project has support from infrastructure providers.

                          VII.    There is an existing need for the project, or it will be expected to be delivered within the next 5 years.

                        VIII.    That it is identified as having a critical or high need, where the project has to be delivered to support new development.

                            IX.    There are no significant issues with funding or landownership.

                              X.    Where there is a clear plan as to how the project would be funded; and

 (b) That the specific projects and types of infrastructure recommended in paragraphs 24-37 of the report (flooding, highways and transport, utilities, heath and social care, affordable housing, corporate priorities, education and Broadband) be identified in the IFS as having a priority for full or partial funding.