Decision Details

Implemented

Beccles Lido Ltd Improvement Bid - Exceptional CIL Funding Request

ES/0244

No

Committee

Cabinet

Tue 7 Jan 2020

No

Report of the Cabinet Member with responsibility for Planning and Coastal Management

To determine an exceptional CIL funding request

Planning & Coastal Management

Not Applicable

No

1. That this exceptional case for an award of District CIL funding of £75,000 for the improvements to Beccles Lido is approved by Cabinet, as the CIL spending process review means bidding for District CIL funds remains closed for this year. 

2. Where HMRC feedback or other research confirm that VAT could be applied to the project at 5% or £0 rate, the offer of £75,000 District CIL funding should treated as recoverable forward funding pending final confirmation of the VAT position. 

3. That the CIL funding is released to Beccles Lido Ltd on receipt of copy invoices confirming the full construction and plant (equipment) costs related to the funding gap.

This community led project is an important part of the local infrastructure provision in an area where there will be major planned growth for the future. As a community infrastructure project this represents a good example of a collaboratively funded project to deliver a substantial community benefit.   If full project costs, including the VAT, are considered the District CIL funding would represent 14.5% of the total costs. Despite not previously been recognised as infrastructure to be funded through developer contributions it is beneficial to the long term sustainability of growth in the area. In this instance the bid has been agreed as an exceptional beneficial project due to the project already progressing, the impact of the funding gap, the proportion of total funding and the community and health benefits the facility provides. 

Members have the option of not agreeing the District CIL funding for this project and retaining CIL funds for future use or deferring consideration of this bid as part of a more comprehensive round of bids in September 2020.  These options would cause uncertainty over the delivery of the project and the ability for the works to be completed in time for re-opening in May 2020. Weight has been given to the value of this sports and recreation facility in supporting the major planned housing growth for this area and its loss would affect the sustainability of future growth and health and well-being of existing and new communities. 

None.

None.