Agenda item

The report recommends funding decisions on submitted proposals for CIL and S106 funding.

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

a.      The Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) available to the Area Committee totalled £93,384.82.

b.      The Section 106 (S106) available to the Area Committee totalled £50,770.38.  Of this sum, £49,570.34 was transport-focussed work and £1,200.04 for parks and green spaces.

c.       By the end of November 2021 contributions had been been accrued in CIL funds making a total of £120,762.11.

d.      Eastville Litterarti Project had indicated to officers that £3,270 allocated to the project in 2018 would be returned as it was unspent.  It was possible a future bid could be submitted for the project.

e.      The following projects were invited to submit stage 2 full proposals:

* indicates full or partial funding.  Totals indicate full funding, should that be agreed.

An outline was provided to committee on the proposals detailed in the table above.

In response to questions from Councillors the CRM clarified that:

                                i.            Approval of the six proposed applications listed would overcommit funds by approximately £37,000. Officers advised that Councillors were permitted to overcommit funds but should bear in mind the effect on future years spending ability.  Lockleaze ward Councillors highlighted that a further £190,000 devolved CIL funds due to be received in the local area within the next year. 

                              ii.            ACTION: CRM agreed to provide extended projected funds forecasts to Councillors.

                             iii.            With regards to the Honeysuckle Lane Parking Review (1), the request had been initiated by local residents via Councillors.  Local developments, local interest sites and a nearby UWE campus had contributed to an increase in visitors to that area which had impacted parking on residential streets.  Restrictions would help improve the situation for residents and pedestrians.  The cost quoted covered the review and possible implementation.

                             iv.            With regards to Lower Purdown New Play Area (2) Councillors highlighted that the area was among the most deprived in the city and experienced a gap in playground facilities.   Councillors suggested that it was important to start the process for new facilities as soon as possible as the projects had a long timeframe, by which time future funds would have been received.

                               v.            With regards to Coombe Brook Valley (3) Councillor Cheney declared that he had been present for the inception of the group when it was a part of his ward.  He agreed with the proposal that a fence would prevent anti-social littering/ flytipping and increase the bio-diversity and aesthetic appeal of the site.  Councillors considered it preferable to fund the full amount as match funding had not been identified.

                             vi.            With regards to Royate Hill Local Nature Reserve (4) the proposal grouped together three proposals for a bench, railings and noticeboard to make the site more appealing to visitors and deter anti-social behaviour.  It was hoped to make the route attractive as a walking path through to May Park School drawing people away from dangerous roads.

                           vii.            With regards to Barton Fields Community Pathways (5) Councillors noted that when the green space had been handed to the community the vision had always included a pathway to the higher section of the area to make the space more accessible to all.

                         viii.            With regards to Little Foxes refurbishment of their portacabin (6) for use as a nursery classroom.  It was clarified that £118,000 had already been raised for the project and as the funds were supporting the Vench, as a charity, to enhance its facilities.  This was considered an acceptable project for CIL funding, agreed with the Planning Obligations Manager.

There was a further discussion regarding the allocation of full funds and the principle of ‘overcommitted’ funds. It was then agreed (6 voting for and 1 against) that funds would be ‘overcommitted’ in this instance.

The recommendations were moved, seconded and following a vote it was agreed unanimously that all six projects would be funded as proposed (with project 3 (Combe Brook Valley) funded in full).  It was noted that the funds for Little Foxes were urgent but the funds for Lower Purdown New Play Area more longer term in project length.

It was RESOLVED that the Committee:

        i.            Noted the proposed update of progress on previously approve projects

      ii.            Noted the CIL and S106 monies available as of the 20^th September 2021

    iii.            Noted the Public Sector Equality Duty in decision making

    iv.            Agreed the following allocation from CIL fund totalling £153,070.00 leaving the balance of £59,685.18 based on CIL balances held at end September 2021.

      v.            Agreed the following allocation from s106 totalling £1,200.04