City Council to rule on new infrastructure charges

Exeter City Council will decide whether or not to change the way they charge developers next week.

Exeter City Council will reach a decision on introducing the ‘Community Infrastructure Levy’, which will set a fixed charge on new developments in the city.

If introduced the Levy would only apply to housing, student accommodation and out of city centre retailing developments.

Previously the Council has set charges on a case by case basis but the process, which can be costly and time consuming, is being scaled back by Government.

If introduced, the Levy will provide extra funding for new leisure facilities, schools and transport.

The council will lay out specific spending plans once the scheme begins to generate money.

Exeter City Council is one of several Councils in Devon with plans to introduce the plans later this year.

Cllr Rachel Sutton, Lead Councillor for City Development, said: "This Levy is really good news for Exeter and will play an important part in providing the facilities that will be needed as the city continues to grow. 

“Local people will have a real opportunity to influence some of the spending decisions the Council makes and ensure that the most pressing demands that development places on the city are addressed."

If approved by the Council’s Executive Committee on 17 September all future developments would have to pay the Levy before work commenced.