Wednesday 29 May 2013

Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL)

At the May 2013 Community Network meeting Corine Dyke, principle development officer, introduced a document that listed a number of possible projects that could be funded by the new community infrastructure levy (CIL) (pronounced 'sill').

A number of Grampound projects including school improvements, play area improvements, multi-use games area (MUGA), footpath to Tregony, river paths, and even the bypass are listed. We were asked to comment on the priorities listed to Corine by the end of June:

Are they needed for growth?
Are the priorities right?
Are there others?

A copy of the Cornwall Infrastructure Needs Assessment: Truro and Roseland Schedule has been circulated to councillors for comment.

Some of the items (some of which may be out of date) from the Needs Assessment directly affecting Grampound with Creed are:

536 Primary School. Grampound with Creed CE School. Necessary. £337K. Under Consideration.
"1 additional classroom recommended. Pupil numbers are consistently above capacity which suggests its continued popularity. Nearest school within 2 miles is Gramopund Road CE which is also at capacity. The next Nearest school with room is Probus CP (currently large housng development underway which will have an impact on demand for places at Probus CP). The school is also mid way between Truro and St Austell - 2 areas identified for major housing growth over the Core Strategy period; it is likely to feel the 'knock on' impact of demand for pupil places."

551 Childrens' equipped play areas, Sports pitches, Walking & Cycling facilities. Green infrastructure Grampound with Creed. Desirable. Cost unknown. Local aspirations
"Parish plan desire to: a) Renovate children's play area, b) Approach Sport England for funding for football pitch drainage and a MUGA (multi-use games area), c) work with Trewithen Estate to secure a new footpath to Tregony. Enhancement of environment by providing footpaths and nature trails. Work with NRA to enhance river paths and encourate additional services (e.g fishing)"

556 Road Schemes. A390 Grampound. Desirable. Cost unknown. Cornwall Council aspiration.
"The A390 runs through the village of Grampound creating hazards for the population and considerably slowing this main route between St Austell and Truro. There have been continued attempts at slowing traffic speeds, including speed activated signs and gateway measures. Proposed improvement - create a new carriageway around the village."

Cornwall Council is finalising its plans for this levy. It is a Government initiative.

"The Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) is a new levy that local authorities can choose to charge on new developments in their area. The money can be used to support development by funding infrastructure that the council, local community and neighbourhoods want." Source: Planning Advisory Service

(Blog entry updated 20/6/2013)