Council sets new charge to generate income for community resources (From Watford Observer)

Hertsmere Borough Council sets new charge to generate income for community resources

4:50pm Monday 4th March 2013 in News By Kathryn Snowdon, Reporter

Hertsmere residents can have their say on a new charge which developers will have to pay before beginning work.

The Community Infrastructure Levy has been introduced by the Government and should take effect early next year.

Hertsmere Borough Council is responsible for setting the charge, collecting it and deciding which projects to spend the money on.

Draft proposals on the rates the council intends to charge for each type of development have been published as the Proposed Draft Charging Schedule.

A public consultation on these proposed charges runs until Wednesday, April 3.

Councillor Dr Harvey Cohen, portfolio holder for planning and localism, said the community will benefit because there will be money available for schemes that matter to them, like new schools, leisure centres, or health and social care facilities.

He added: "We welcome people’s thoughts on these charges, which could have a really positive impact on the area they live."

Any comments made will be taken into consideration.

A second draft charging schedule will then be published and another round of consultation held, before the schedule is submitted to an independent inspector for examination later in the year.

Comments can be made by writing to Policy and Transport Team, Hertsmere Borough Council, Elstree Way, Borehamwood, Hertfordshire, or by emailing local.plan@hertsmere.gov.uk.

Copies of the Hertsmere preliminary draft charging schedule and a guide to CIL can be found at http://www.hertsmere.gov.uk/Planning--Building-Control/Planning-Policy/Community-Infrastructure-Levy-(CIL).aspx, at libraries in Hertsmere or from the council’s Civic Offices in Borehamwood and area offices in Bushey and Potters Bar.