Are you interested in the provision or improvement of community facilities, transport, highways, education, or green spaces in your local area? Are you a developer, land owner or involved in the delivery of development within West Lancashire ?
If so, you may want to get involved in West Lancashire Borough Council’s proposals to introduce a new charge called the Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL), which will be payable by developers on new developments.
The money will then be used to pay for infrastructure improvements that are needed as a result of development. This could include public transport improvements, highway improvements, cycle paths or new areas of open space.
The Council is currently considering introducing a CIL charge within West Lancashire and is urging anyone with an interest in development and infrastructure improvements to give their views on this new document.
The Council first published a Preliminary Draft Charging Schedule in January 2013 and invited comments on the document during a six-week consultation period. Responses received by the Council were considered, alongside other evidence, in preparing the Draft Charging Schedule which sets out the rates which will vary depending on the size, type and location of individual developments.
The Council is now asking for your views on the latest Draft Charging Schedule. This time, the comments which are received will be passed to an independent Planning Inspector for his consideration through a formal Examination. He will check that the Council have met CIL Regulations and that decisions have been based on evidence.
Full details about the CIL and how to get involved can be found at our Community Infrastructure Levy webpage. Comments should be made in writing via post or email using the comment response forms which can be downloaded from the website or collected from local libraries or council offices. These should be received by the Council by 5pm on Friday 8 November 2013.
Cllr Martin Forshaw, Portfolio Holder for Planning and Development, said: “The Council is working constantly to improve the environment of West Lancashire for residents. Charging developers a levy means there will be more money available to fund improvements to local infrastructure and will help offset any negative impact a development may create.
“We must make sure the charges do not prevent development from taking place and that they strike the balance between providing well designed developments and providing infrastructure improvements. You can help decide these charges by getting involved.”
How to find out more and comment
- The consultation runs from Thursday 26 September to Friday 8 November 2013.
- Read the documents at the Council Offices at 52 Derby Street, Ormskirk; the CSP Skelmersdale or your local library and pick up comment response forms
- Visit our Community Infrastructure Levy webpage
- Email: [email protected]
- Post comments to: Local Plan, WLBC, 52 Derby Street, Ormskirk, L39 2DF