| A reminder that the following consultations being run by South Oxfordshire District Council (SODC) close on Tuesday 22 March 2022: Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) Charging Schedule – a local charge that SODC applies to new development in our district, and the schedule sets out the rates that are charged depending on the different types of development. Developer Contributions Supplementary Planning Document – sets out how SODC will ensure new development on strategic sites and larger developments will contribute to the provision of affordable housing and supporting infrastructure. It is important that residents have their say (via the links above) as the money raised from developers can be used to fund a wide range of strategic and local infrastructure such as transport schemes, schools, community or health facilities, parks, green spaces, and leisure facilities. Since CIL was introduced six years ago, 341 homes have been built or granted permission in Thame, of which just 26 have funding secured or paid for Thame’s community infrastructure and projects. The numbers are very low as the Government grants many exemptions for many reasons, including for converting office spaces to residential use, and for self-build homes (usually infill plots). Thame’s Neighbourhood Plan has entitled us to a larger share of the CIL funds and, whilst the number of developments contributing CIL is relatively small, the funds have paid for new play equipment and helped toward the new Community Youth Centre. It’s important that residents respond to the consultation so that SODC ensure that developers pay their contribution towards local infrastructure improvements. |
