Boscombe & Pokesdown Neighbourhood Plan (B&P NP) Forum CAL Process

What is CIL?

The Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) is a charge which can be made by local authorities on new developments in the area. The purpose of CIL is to help fund the delivery of infrastructure to support development of their area.

What is the CIL Neighbourhood Portion?

A percentage of the CIL is required to be spent on neighbourhood projects which will ‘improve, benefit and shape the development of the community for the future’. The projects that can be funded are wide ranging. As an example, projects funded by the council in 2021/22 ranged from £41 to £250,000 and covered projects such as notice boards, play park improvements, and a community shed. With CIL neighbourhood portion, the public are consulted on what they would like to spend the money on and then the Council makes the decision on whether to fund the project. Anyone can apply including councillors.

In areas where there is a Neighbourhood Plan (such as Boscombe & Pokesdown) 25% of the CIL neighbourhood portion is set aside for that area, and the Neighbourhood Plan Forum will be asked directly for its ideas on how the Council should spend the money in the forum area.

How are projects identified?

The Forum may identify projects itself from the Neighbourhood Plan or from its work in the area. Also, anybody (residents, businesses or community groups) may approach the Forum with their suggestions for improving local community facilities.

What are the Criteria for supporting a project?

The Forum will take the following criteria into account when deciding whether a project is suitable for CIL funding.

1. The project must meet the following criteria:

a. Supports the development of the area.

b. Located in the Boscombe & Pokesdown Neighbourhood Plan area.

c. Has the support of the local community (as demonstrated, for example, by a survey of local people).

2. The following factors will be taken into account when prioritising funding:

a. How many people would benefit from the project.

b. What impact it would have on addressing poverty, supporting health & wellbeing, enhancing education, creating community cohesion and protecting the environment.

c. The amount of community support for the project.

d. Whether it supports the realisation of the B&P NP.

e. Whether local businesses and community will be involved in delivering the project.

What is the process?

The diagram below gives an overview of the CIL process.

 

[1] Project proposals may be submitted verbally through a meeting, through direct contact with a member of the steering committee (if known) or through email to the Neighbourhood Plan secretary at info@boscombepokesdown.org.uk.

[2] Once a proposal is received, the B&P NP Forum Steering Group will decide if it is an idea that they are able to support. The Forum will consider if sufficient CIL funds are available and if the project meets the Forum’s criteria (see above).

[3] A member of the B&P NP Forum Steering Group will work with the originator to complete the Bid Form and any supporting documents. The project will need to demonstrate, for example that it has necessary permissions for the project and that there is a plan for long term maintenance.

[4] The Forum will submit the form and any supporting documents to BCP Council.

[5] BCP Council ultimately make the decision on awarding the CIL funds. They will check that the proposal is valid and suitable for CIL funding, and also whether funds are available.

[6] Funds will be transferred as specified on the Bid form. This may be directly to the originator, or to the Forum.