Agenda item

To consider the report of the Director of City Development.

Agreed:

RECOMMENDED that Council:-

(1) note the conclusions of the Independent Examiner of the CIL Charging Schedule, as included in the Examiner’s Report attached at Appendix A of the report, notably that the CIL Charging Schedule provides an appropriate basis for the collection of the levy in Exeter; and

(2) approves the CIL Charging Schedule attached at Appendix B of the report to take effect on 1 January 2024.

Reason for Decision: As set out in the report.

The Executive received the report which explained the progress made following a review and examination of the Council’s Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) Charging Schedule, which identified the CIL rates to be charged on different types of development. The report sought approval of the draft revised CIL Charging Schedule for implementation from 1 January 2024.

Particular reference was made to the Council charging CIL for 10 years, with significant changes to the property market in that period, requiring a review to be undertaken. Following a consultation, it was proposed that the rates be increased for purpose built accommodation, creating a specific rate for co living and also introduce a zero rate for build to rent and flats.

Following a consultation of the draft proposed charging rates, the responses had been analysed and submitted for an independent examination which took place in July 2023. It was concluded that the draft charging schedule provided an appropriate basis for the collection of the CIL within Exeter.

Councillor Jobson, as an opposition group leader, spoke on this item and thanked the officers for the work undertaken and considered that Co-Living not being charged at the same rent rate as Purpose Built Student Accommodation (PBSA) was a missed opportunity. They were an almost identical feature but were being charged at the same rate as build to rent, which was an entirely different feature.

Councillor Moore, as an opposition group leader, spoke on this item and welcomed the discount to seasonal developers ending because they were building luxury developments which were top prices for students. She raised concerns about high density Co-Living units for long term living and not providing needed infrastructure to the community.

Councillor M. Mitchell, as an opposition group leader, spoke on this item and highlighted that he attended the independent examination. His only concern was in ensuring the Council was making the right decision to prevent a repeat of the issues arising from previous PBSA developments.

During the discussion the following points were made:

·         CIL would be charged for Co Living units, which, because has a large floor area, would be a significant;

·         the recommendations were set by the independent inspector and examiner, who had looked at the proposals, which  had been backed by experienced officers, to ensure the City Council was making the right decision; and

·         development of Co-Living units would support professional workers of all ages and younger generations, and would provide a greater flexibility and opportunity to meet needs and providing more variety in the market.

The Leader thanked the officers for the report and for the work that had been put into enabling the inspector to approve the proposed recommendations.

RECOMMENDED that Council:-

(1) note the conclusions of the Independent Examiner of the CIL Charging Schedule, as included in the Examiner’s Report attached at Appendix A of the report, notably that the CIL Charging Schedule provides an appropriate basis for the collection of the levy in Exeter; and

(2) approves the CIL Charging Schedule attached at Appendix B of the report to take effect on 1 January 2024.