A new way to make sure development in Swindon contributes towards vital facilities and services such as roads, schools, sports fields and medical centres is going out for its first round of public consultation today.
The change will speed up the planning process, make it clearer to developers what they will have to pay, and direct some money to local communities so they can benefit from development that takes place in their area.
It is being made because Swindon Borough Council, like all councils, will soon be unable to rely completely on the method it currently uses to secure all the investment it needs from development, known as Section 106 planning obligations.
Changes to national legislation have now placed restrictions on the use of Section 106, but if a council can show that it has a funding shortfall it can introduce the government’s chosen way to narrow the gap, which is a Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL).
In general, CIL is charged at a set rate per square metre on any planned building with over 100 square metres of floor space, and can be chargeable on all uses – residential, industrial, and retail.
Swindon Council’s cabinet has agreed to introduce CIL, and consultation on the proposals and charges begins today, lasting for eight weeks.
After taking independent advice, Swindon Borough Council plans to set its CIL charge for residential development on non-strategic sites at £55 per square metre, which means the council will secure around £4,000 when a typical two-bedroom home is built.
On strategic housing sites, which tend to be larger, the council will continue to use Section 106 to secure developer contributions, as the legislation permits.
Other proposed CIL charges will vary on the type of development, from £5 per square metre for a hotel, to £200 for a convenience store or supermarket. Exemptions from the charge will include small extensions to existing homes, affordable housing, office buildings, schools, and developments for charity.
Cllr Dale Heenan, Swindon Borough Council cabinet member for Strategic Planning and Sustainability, said: “CIL is a tool to support the delivery of economic and sustainable growth. The new system will be fairer and will make it much clearer to all developers what they will pay before they submit a planning application.
“On the adoption of CIL, payment is mandatory. The figure will be non-negotiable, unlike the existing Section 106 arrangement which can result in sometimes difficult discussions to reach an agreement.
“All new development puts a strain on services such as roads and schools, and it is right the council can secure money from development to pay towards meeting the cost of improving those services.”
Among those being consulted on the Swindon Community Infrastructure Levy Preliminary Draft Charging Schedule are developers and parish and community councils. Information will also be available in Wat Tyler House reception, libraries and the council’s website at www.swindon.gov.uk/CIL
The results will be reported back to the Cabinet, along with any recommended changes, to inform a further round of consultation that is required before the CIL Charging Schedule can be examined and then adopted by the full council.
