The Head of Planning and Development introduced the report which covered the period of 1 April 2020 to 31 March 2021. The Infrastructure Funding Statement attached as Appendix 1 to the report detailed the funding collected by the Council through Section 106 agreements and the Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL). The majority of the funding was provided to Kent County Council, with some directed towards the Council’s services, such as Parks and Open Spaces.

The increased collection of commuted sums was highlighted, which directly contributed to the provision of affordable housing in a differing location to the original development, where the housing could not be provided for viability reasons. The Union and Brunswick Street developments had been facilitated through such means.

The Council currently held over £10 million from Section 106 legal agreements, with the funding to be retained and aggregated until suitable schemes were available for implementation. The types of survey required to implement schemes, such as junction improvements were mentioned. The Committee would be presented with a report on the CIL Bidding Prospectus in the new year. 

The CIL project officer confirmed that the information concerning the Section 106 funds to be spent by the end of 2022/23 could be provided outside of the meeting.

In response to questions, the Head of Planning and Development confirmed that the traffic signalisation of the M20 Junction 7 roundabout had been included within the Infrastructure Delivery Plan since its creation. Following National Highways’ objections to several developments within that local area, three Section 106 agreements had been signed to secure a contribution from the relevant housebuilders to the scheme. The Director of Regeneration and Place provided reassurance that the Council would continue to bid for Government grants to contribute to the scheme’s cost.

Several Members of the Committee expressed concern at the lack of transport infrastructure that had been provided.

RESOLVED: That the Infrastructure Funding Statement for the last financial year, 2020-2021, attached as Appendix 1 to the report, be noted.