A couple of years ago, Cheshire West and Chester (CWaC) made a decision to move away from the ‘New Homes Bonus’ to a restructured ‘Community Infrastructure Levy’, both were funded from any new development and then a benefit would be available to Parish and Town Councils across the Borough.

Utkinton and Cotebrook Parish Council were notified of a small sum that had been allocated to the Parish (£514.50) and we now have to decide what this can be used for.

Below is an extract from their web-page that goes someway to explaining the process and how the funds can be used:

What is CIL?

Here is the link to CIL on CWaCs website.

https://www.cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk/residents/planning-and-building-control/community-infrastructure-levy/neighbourhood-portion.aspx  

This is a condensed version about what it can be spent on:

(a) the provision, improvement, replacement, operation or maintenance of infrastructure; or
(b) anything else that is concerned with addressing the demands that development places on an area.

Infrastructure is defined as:

• Social infrastructure: e.g. art and culture, sports halls, education, health, social care, emergency services, community centres, village halls
• Physical infrastructure: e.g. pavements, cycleways, flood defences, highways, transport links
• Green infrastructure: e.g. play areas, public open space, woodlands

Please note that Parishes/towns can use Section 106 money and CIL money on the same project in the local community if the wording within the specific Section 106 agreement allows it.

Below is the part about public consultation:

How do Parish Councils identify projects?

It is important for parishes to consult with the local community to develop a list of the infrastructure priorities in the area. Publishing these priorities can help for projects to be delivered in a timely and transparent way.

What’s next?

So, residents of the Parish, we are looking for some ideas.  It isn’t urgent but the funds have to be spent within five (5) years or they have to be returned.  Please put your thinking caps on and let us know via the feedback page or write to the Parish Clerk or come to a Parish Council meeting and put your case forward.