Future development money to be invested in local communities

Money from developments will soon be used to benefit local communities, as part of a new levy to encourage investment in the things that matter to local people.

The Shropshire Community Infrastructure Levy (or CIL) provides a way for developers to contribute towards future improvements.  Different to the current Section 106 agreements, it’s not restricted to the new development itself or certain infrastructure, and can therefore be used for anything that will meet communities identified needs and wants, specific to their area.

Priorities for spending will be highlighted through annual consultation with communities and infrastructure providers.  However, early work has identified some critical schemes which have been highlighted by Shropshire councillors and parish and town councillors for their importance to local people and the county as a whole.  Whilst limited money will be available in 2012/13 it will be banked to deliver these schemes in future years along with additional priorities identified through the consultation. 

A report outlining this annual consultation and investment process will be discussed at the council’s Cabinet on Wednesday 13 July 2011.

Councillor Malcolm Price, Shropshire Council’s Cabinet member for strategic planning, said: “Shropshire Council is leading the way nationally on developing proposals to place a levy on new housing development to raise funds for infrastructure.

“This levy will mean that future development will help to contribute to the things that matter most to local people, helping create and keep Shropshire communities sustainable and flourishing in the future.

“We recognise that all communities are different and that their requirements change over time.  To address and embrace these differences, each area has a separate place plan outlining people’s needs and priorities within that area.”

Identified critical schemes/projects 

• Upgrade of the A5/A458 Churncote junction, including the link to Oxon Road in Shrewsbury.
• Upgrade of the A5 bypass junctions to the west of the A49 (excluding Dobbies roundabout).
• Improvements to the A5 Mile End roundabout.
• Surface Water Management Plan for Minsterley and Pontesbury, Wem and Ludlow.
• Assessment of local flood risk in Albrighton, Bishop’s Castle, Bridgnorth, Market Drayton, Whitchurch and Gobowen.
• Provision of flood storage areas and remedial sewer works in the south eastern area of Much Wenlock.