URL: https://stroud.moderngov.co.uk/ieDecisionDetails.aspx?ID=317

Decision Maker: Strategy and Resources Committee

Outcome:

Is Key Decision?: No

Is Callable In?: No

Purpose: CIL funding helps to provide for any additional demand placed on local infrastructure by new housing growth, in accordance with adopted planning policy. In the 2023 funding round, the Berkeley Community Hub project was previously awarded £170,000 CIL funding. An application for an additional £22,000 is requested under the scheme’s exceptional circumstances policy. This report sets out the funding request and is presented to Strategy and Resources Committee for review and approval.

Content: The Senior Community Infrastructure Officer introduced the report and provided background on the introduction of the Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL). The Council were able to consider requests outside of the annual funding scheme through an exception circumstance provision which the report being considered was under this provision. In 2023 Berkeley Books was awarded £170k CIL funding towards their Community Hub project, however unexpected changes to legislation and the design specification had meant an increased contractor quotation of £22k which needed to be met by the end of December.   The Hub was due to open on the 20 October and the trustees had concerns that without assistance from the Council on the shortfall, cost cutting measures would be needed before opening which would impact on the services delivered by the Hub. Feedback from the Community Health and Wellbeing Manager was provided who advocated for the need for the Hub due to lack of services and transport challenges within Berkeley. GL13 Community Hub had fundraised for over 10 years which included working with professional advisors and service providers within Berkeley to support the community for outreach services. This would include the Foodbank, Citizens Advice, P3 and Healthy Lifestyles Team. She advised there was scope within the unallocated CIL funds to fund the additional request.   The following answers were provided to Members questions: The Officer agreed with concerns regarding this bid potentially setting a precedent for exceptional circumstances, however careful consideration would be given when requests for funding for exceptional circumstances were being considered. This included reviewing initial CIL scoring and the projects level of importance in terms of delivering adopted Local Plan Policy. The Council had already invested £170k into the project and Officers would ensure robust guidance on funding considerations is strengthened in the next publication of the schemes Guidance Notes and Funding Conditions. There was evidence to support the request to deliver the infrastructure need and the Council could see these type of requests occurring more frequently going forward, especially considering wider future funding restraints. Officers would provide additional clarity and enhance the guidance for the criteria for the consideration of CIL bids as part of the report to Committee in January.  All exceptional circumstance requests were considered on a case by case basis and the same level of thoroughness would be provided when considering requests. There was an exceptional circumstance policy in place which permits and support this funding request and that there was sufficient money within the CIL Strategic Budget to fund the additional request.   Proposed by the Chair, Councillor Turner and seconded by Councillor Robert Brown.   Councillor Robert Brown advised that the situation was out of the organisations control. He read a comment from Councillor Green who was not in attendance which stated the community hub would be a useful resource in Berkeley and the surrounding areas.   During debate, Members made the following comments: Councillor Caton Hughes stated that the exceptional circumstance policy supported projects on particular merits due to changes in legislation and there were adequate funds available. The request met the criteria of the policy which would make the project sustainable. Councillor Luff supported organisations who played a role in supporting communities. Councillor Hughes was in support of the proposal as the reason for overspend wasn’t due to poor planning or budgeting. Councillor Martin Brown supported the work of and the value the Community Hubs provided. He noted that any future requests would be considered by the Committee, should a precedent be established. Councillor Robinson agreed with comments made and advised that approval would allow for organisations to use the space whilst developing the Berkeley Vale area of the District. Councillor Braun gave her congratulations to those involved with the work for Berkeley Books and stated that the Community hub would deliver basic needs and allow the community to access necessary services.    Councillor Pearcy stated that CIL funds should be allocated to projects such as these, as they deliver tangible benefits to the community. He emphasised that the value to communities would outweigh the financial contribution made through CIL funding.  The Chair, Councillor Turner, stated the Council had an exceptional circumstance policy for a reason and Officers had applied sufficient rigor during the assessment process.    On being put to the vote, the Motion was carried unanimously.   RESOLVED To note the urgent funding request made by Berkeley Books to the Council's Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) strategic project fund and approve an additional allocation of £22k in line with the officer’s recommendation.  

Date of Decision: October 2, 2025