Agenda item

The Community Resources Manager introduced the report and drew attention to the following:

·         Members would receive an update by the end of August on progress on previously approved Section 106 (S106) and Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) transport, parks and community projects;

·         A decision had been taken to pause 2020 CIL and S106 decisions with the exception of S106 monies specified for tree planting and replacement so works could start in the 20/21 planting season;

·         Members were asked to consider the request for the award of an additional sum from CIL to enable delivery of the Eastwood Farm Park renovation project approved at the AC’s 2019 meeting;

·         There was currently a CIL deficit of -£21,545.68 due to decisions made by the Committee at its meeting on 19th September 2019 and it was agreed that no new projects would be funded as a result of the deficit;

·         Members were asked to consider the proposed tree planting and replacement scheme using the available £17,599.83  to plant 23 trees and, if approved, to further consider if the residue of £29.34 should be added to the maintenance budget or keep in the existing S106 tree planting budget

In considering the request for additional CIL funding to meet the £10-12k shortfall to deliver the Eastwood Farm park renovation project, Members noted the current situation and money already secured by the community.  It was moved by Cllr Rippington and seconded by Cllr Carey that Community Infrastructure Levy funding up to the value of £10,000 be put towards the Eastwood Farm Park renovation project, on condition that only the required funding be drawn down if additional funds are secured from other community funding.

The Tree Bristol Officer confirmed that the proposals were for replanting trees rather than new trees and, following a request from Members, undertook to look into the suggestion of planting in Victor Road.  He also welcomed any suggestions about other new sites for tree planting and confirmed that future proposals would include a map and the common, rather than Latin, names of the trees.

In relation to future meetings, the Community Resources Manager undertook to talk to Chairs of the 6 Area Committees with a view to considering a similar timetable to the one agreed in the previous year with Councillors engaging with communities about proposals prior to a decision in the autumn. It was agreed that if any Members had a view on the timescale they should contact the Chair directly.

RESOLVED that

(1)   the proposed updating of progress on previously-approved projects in the light of Covid-19 impacts be noted;

(2)   the decision to pause 2020 CIL and S106 decisions with the exception of S106 monies specified for tree planting and replacement be noted;

(3)   the CIL and S106 monies available at 30th June 2020 and the 2 S106 contributions which are at risk as outside their ‘committed by’ date be noted;

(4)   the funding for the S106 Tree Proposal submitted from the following S106 allocations be approved as follows:

·         23 Tree Replacements = £17,599.83

·         Residue of £29.34 to be added to the tree maintenance fund;

(5)   the request for the award of an additional sum from CIL to enable the delivery of the Eastwood Farm park renovation project approved at the AC’s 2019 meeting be approved, £10,000 CIL awarded with the condition that Parks only draw down the required funding to deliver if additional funds are secured from other community funding;

(6)   the legal information concerning the Public Sector Equality duty in reaching all its decisions be noted.