Payments to support health services can be secured as part of granting planning permission for development.
A key change now taking place in the planning system is the phased introduction of the Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL for short). This involves changing from an up-front negotiation of developer contributions (section 106 payments) on a site by site basis around a planning application to one where, when CIL is implemented, health professionals (including CCGs) will need to make the case to the local planning authority for investment and release of appropriate funds. While CIL may lead to more funds being secured from developers, there is likely to be significant competition for CIL funding, and the prioritisation and allocation of funding is a matter for the charging authority.
The Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) is a development tariff (charged per square metre of net additional increase in floorspace) that can be charged on new developments (that result in a net increase in floorspace or residential units)to contribute funds towards a list of local infrastructure projects (known as a Regulation 123 list). CIL charges (which are set locally) and items on a CIL list need to be justified by evidence, which could include the identification of specific healthcare infrastructure needs resulting from planned growth, such as GP surgeries or hospitals. The list could also include contributions to wider infrastructure that could improve health or reduce health inequalities, such as green infrastructure or cycle paths – providing local need can be demonstrated.
It is important that health organisations have systems and plans in place to set out any health infrastructure requirements at the time the CIL Charging Schedule is prepared.
For further information on CIL and s106, including tools for calculating the costs of the health infrastructure implications of new development, see the Key stages in planning where health can input and How to address the healthcare needs of new development in the Joint Working section.