The Head of Planning and Regulatory Service had submitted a report to approve the release of CIL monies to the Local Highway Authority, Oxfordshire County Council for spending on the review of 7 existing Controlled Parking Zones (CPZs) within the Oxford City boundary. Councillor Upton presented the report and its findings. She explained that the CIL is a levy charged per square metre of infrastructure to help fund the city. The report seeks approval for the release of plots and expenditure to support work around CPZs, managed by Oxford County Council. Councillor Upton noted this as a good opportunity to improve CPZs with input from residents.  

Councillor Brown welcomed the report and noted her personal dissatisfaction with many local CPZs. However, she also emphasised that the process of reviewing CPZs must engage with city and county councillors.  

Councillor Smith welcomed the scope for the City Council to influence how Oxford County Council consults residents to ensure improvements. She also extended the consideration to local businesses and highlighted that the review of CPZs could improve possibilities for visitors to access small businesses more easily, especially in East Oxford.  

Councillor Hollingsworth agreed with the plans in principle but questioned the appropriateness and legality of using CIL funds for the review of CPZs. He expressed understanding that CIL should not be used to redevelop existing infrastructure. The Head of Law and Governance acknowledged the question as valid and noted that the plans should be considered in principle at Cabinet, with a commitment to checking the detail and legality later. Councillor Brown agreed further discussion was required. The Team Leader for CIL, Data analysis and Reporting explained that CIL regulations change regularly and at present, would allow for the plans set out in the report. Per the Planning Act 2008, she noted no issue with the plans but committed to confirm this.  

The Head of Law and Governance clarified that the recommendation could be accepted in principle but that further legal advice on funding should be sought with the final decision being delegated to the Head of Planning in consultation with Councillor Upton following the meeting.  

On this basis, Cabinet agreed to

1.    Approve, in principle, the request for the release of £358,080 in CIL monies to Oxfordshire County Council, for spending towards the review of 7 existing CPZs within Oxford City, but to delegate the final decision to The Head of Planning in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Planning, subject to consultation with Oxford City councillors, residents and businesses.