Agenda item

This report seeks to allocate a total of £1.006m of funding from the Neighbourhood CIL portion to various infrastructure projects to ensure the effective spend of local CIL.

4.1       Mayfair Green Route – Alford Street Permanent Garden: Officers recommended approval in principle of the scheme. The Chairman expressed support for the scheme, citing the importance of green initiatives, though clarified that Westminster City Council was not responsible for the maintenance and revenue costs of the scheme.  The Chairman welcomed a volunteer-led approach. Cllr Spencer and Cllr Swaddle echoed the Chairman’s comments and approval in principle was granted. The maintenance plan needs to be presented and approved by Westminster City Council before the project can start.

4.2       CCTV for Mayfair: The Chairman approved the scheme in principle and said it was well supported by Mayfair Neighbourhood Forum and the local community. Cllr Spencer agreed and noted that written endorsement from the Metropolitan Police Service must be received by Westminster City Council before funding is allocated. The endorsement must clearly state that a CCTV intervention is a part of full solution to crime prevention and detection.

4.3       Stairs and Elevator Replacement at St Marylebone Health Centre: The Chairman approved the scheme, given the accessibility improvements for users of the Health Centre. While the location of the stairs and elevator replacement is on the site of a church, the health centre is open to all residents, regardless of their faith. Cllr Spencer and Cllr Swaddle agreed. Cllr Swaddle added that the facility is well subscribed.

4.4       The Pineapple Project: New Community Space at St Mary’s Bourne Street: Officers recommended approval in principle as the applicant has been requested to be provide a fee structure for discounted rates for residents. The applicant must also consult the council and the Belgravia Neighbourhood Forum on the fee structure. The Chairman agreed to give approval in principle. The Chairman added that CIL funding should only be used to fund infrastructure, as opposed to charity revenue budgets. It was noted that the application is supported by the Belgravia Neighbourhood Forum. Cllr Swaddle clarified that as part of the fee structure the charity shouldn’t make a profit from residents.

4.5       Accessibility Improvements to St Barnabas Church: The scheme has been supported strongly by the Belgravia Neighbourhood Forum and ward councillors. The Chairman said it was good to see a substantial contribution from the Church of England, adding that ensuring polling stations are accessible are an important part of the democratic process. On that basis, the Chairman approved the scheme. Cllr Spencer agreed and reiterated that the Church is a multi-use building and therefore benefits residents, regardless of their faith. Cllr Spencer’s comments were echoed by Cllr Swaddle.

4.6       Refurbishment of Staff Room and Learning Space at St Barnabas Church of England School: The refurbishment was recommended by officers for approval. The Chairman supported the scheme, citing the renovation of the kitchen as important to ensuring children has access to nutritious meals. The refurbishment was supported by the local Neighbourhood Forum. Cllr Spencer supported the scheme and Cllr Swaddle expressed reluctance to support the scheme. The refurbishment was approved.

4.7       Consultant for Maida Hill Neighbourhood Plan: Officers recommended approving the application in principle. The Chairman agreed that it is essential that Maida Hill Neighbourhood Forum create a Neighbourhood Plan – and by doing so they are able to access a larger amount of funding. It was noted that it is equally important Neighbourhood Plans are independent and therefore should be reviewed by the council’s Planning Policy Team. The Chairman and Cllr Spencer approved the application in principle. Cllr Swaddle agreed, adding that the Neighbourhood Plan is a step that needs to be taken to maximise benefits to the community.

4.8       Maida Hill Parklets: The council has requested a fully costed maintenance plan. Until received, officers recommended approving the scheme in principle. The Chairman said he supports further greening initiatives, adding that £8,000 appeared to be a small amount of funding for the size of the parklets. The Chairman, Cllr Spencer and Cllr Swaddle approved the scheme, subject to a forthcoming maintenance plan.

4.9       Lighting and Public Realm Upgrade for Royal Albert Hall: Officers recommended approving the scheme in principle until Royal Albert Hall approved match-funding for the scheme. The Chairman said that while the Royal Albert Hall is a commercial organisation, it is also a heritage asset which will benefit the community. Officers noted that Westminster has received a plan on how the lighting will operate. The Chairman agreed to support the scheme in principle, adding that it has the support of the Knightsbridge Neighbourhood Forum. Following clarity that Royal Albert Hall would maintain the lighting going forward, Cllr Spencer and Cllr Swaddle approved the scheme in principle.

4.10     Facilities Refurbishment at Greenhouse Sports: The Chairman said CIL isn’t designed to support charities but approved the scheme because it is upgrading the infrastructure of the facility, rather than the charity itself.  It is also in the Church Street area, which has high levels of deprivation. It was noted that a public lavatory is also on the site, which is open to residents. Cllr Spencer approved the scheme, as did Cllr Swaddle who added that the sports facility is well subscribed by the local community.