Stockport prepares to introduce CIL

Planning consultant Peter Brett Associates has been appointed to carry out a community infrastructure levy study for Stockport Council.

The study will assess the viability of development across the borough and identify the costs and funding of planned new infrastructure.

Bruce Child, planning policy officer at Stockport Council, said: "We are looking forward to working with PBA in introducing CIL to Stockport in a way that ensures it is a positive tool for promoting growth in the borough."

Peter Brett will recommend a schedule of charges on development for different uses and locations, reflecting prevailing levels of viability. Revenues from CIL, introduced as part of the Localism Act 2011, will be invested in the infrastructure that is required to support growth such as schools, recreation facilities and roads.

Matthew Whiteley, senior associate at Peter Brett, said: "We are delighted to be appointed by Stockport and to cement our position as the market leader in advising local authorities on CIL in the North West of England and beyond. We are also very keen to engage with the development industry to ensure that any charges accurately reflect what is happening in the market."

The project adds to the firm's portfolio of CIL projects in the North West, where the practice is already advising Trafford, Bolton and High Peak Councils, as well as the consortium of three Central Lancashire authorities. PBA is also working with a number of developers and other private sector clients across the country in responding to draft CIL charging schedules.