A new system to secure funds from developers to raise cash “…for community infrastructure projects such as schools, community facilities and public realm improvements…” will be discussed by Peterborough City Council’s Planning and Environmental Protection Committee on Tuesday 4 September 2012.

Why are they doing this? Currently when the Council gives planning permission, they get contributions from developers for infrastructure “…to mitigate this impact…” This is part of the Planning Obligations Implementation Scheme (POIS) and/or agreed using a Section 106 planning obligation.

However, the Government has introduced a new Community Infrastructure Levy process which the city council needs to adopt to replace POIS. The levy will apply to all developments over 100sq metres and all new residential units. Social housing and most extensions to existing homes are among developments that will be exempt.

The draft Community Infrastructure Levy charging schedule will be considered by the council’s Cabinet on Monday 24 September 2012. If Cabinet approves the draft, there will then be six weeks public consultation.