A six-week consultation is under way on a document setting out how Fenland District Council plans to go about securing contributions from developers for local infrastructure in future.

The proposals are contained in a draft Supplementary Planning Document (SPD) published by the council today.

Developers involved in larger schemes normally make a financial contribution to the council to help towards the cost of providing educational, transport or community facilities when planning permission is granted.

The aim of the Developer Contributions SPD is to make clear to developers, planning officers, stakeholders and local residents the basis on which such contributions will be sought. It also details the type of contributions that may be required.

The document will support the Local Plan policies, in particular policy LP13 (b).

The council’s Cabinet decided in November not to introduce Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) charges at this point, following advice from expert consultants.

In the current economic climate the levy was considered not to be the most appropriate or efficient way of funding infrastructure to support new development.

The situation will be reviewed in three years’ time.

Councillor Fred Yeulett, FDC’s Cabinet member responsible for planning policy and growth, said: “At the moment we believe Section 106 agreements remain the most flexible and productive way of securing developers’ contributions. But we need to refresh and refine our approach to those agreements.

“This document sets out new ways of working and makes clear what will be required from developers.”

The draft SPD and full details of the consultation are available online at www.fenland.gov.uk/article/9574/. Copies are also available at Fenland Hall business reception, the four Fenland @ your service shops and libraries throughout the district.

Comments can be submitted by post to Neighbourhood Strategy, Fenland District Council, Fenland Hall, County Road, March Cambridgeshire PE15 8NQ, or e-mailed to neighbourhoodstrategy@fenland.gov.uk.

All comments must be received by 5pm on Thursday, January 15. If you have any queries, please call FDC’s Neighbourhood Strategy team on 01354 654321 or e-mail neighbourhoodstrategy@fenland.gov.uk.