25/06/2013 - Permalink

Council announces changes to development policy

Related topics: Community

From Monday 1 July 2013, Shropshire Council will implement changes to the Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) Payment by Instalment Policy.

The original policy, introduced in Shropshire in 2012, has been revised in order to balance consideration of a developer’s cash flow, with the need to obtain the finance required to deliver the infrastructure necessary to support development.  This is therefore to the benefit of developers and local communities. 

The Instalment Policy does not affect the criteria for being liable for CIL; rather, it extends the timescales for the payment of CIL associated with medium to large developments.  The majority of investment takes place where the development is situated and can include any form of infrastructure required to support development, from a new play park to a traffic-calming system. 

Mal Price, Shropshire Council’s Cabinet member for planning, said: 

“The more flexibility we can offer, the more chance we have of attracting developers to the county.  These changes take into account the number of dwellings in each development, and offer longer timescales for payment, in more instalments.  This will make future development more viable in Shropshire.  The Community Infrastructure Levy gives town and parish councils the chance to make improvements to the area that may not be possible without the funds from developers.” 

Daniel McGowan, Managing Director at Taylor Wimpey North Midlands, said: 

“We are delighted the council has sought to amend the CIL Instalment Policy.  We raised concerns that the previous structure may actually prevent development coming forward because it created a disproportionate financial burden at the start of a development, but this revision demonstrates that the council not only seeks to represent the needs of residents, but listens to and understands the building industry.” 

To view the updated CIL Instalment Policy please click here. 

For more information on the Community Infrastructure Levy please visit shropshire.gov.uk/CIL.