The Reigate and Banstead Council Executive meeting on 20 June 2024 focused on the annual review of the Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) Strategic Infrastructure Programme (SIP) for 2023-2027 and the adoption of the A23 Great Street Design Code as a Supplementary Planning Document (SPD). The council noted the progress of various SIP projects and approved the updated design code, which aims to improve the A23 corridor between Redhill and Horley.

Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) Strategic Infrastructure Programme (SIP) 2023-2027 Annual Review

Councillor Michalowski introduced the annual review of the council's second SIP, covering 2023-2027. The review highlighted the progress of 17 projects, with one project fully completed. The SIP provides a structured approach to spending the council's strategic CIL funding, ensuring flexibility through annual reviews. Some projects required additional funding or adjustments to their timelines. The council agreed to note the progress and updates to the SIP, ensuring the effective use of developer contributions for sustainable development in the borough. The detailed review can be found in the Community Infrastructure Levy CIL Strategic Infrastructure Programme SIP 2023-2027 Annual Review.

Councillor Lewanski raised a query about the funding for the Reigate Valley College site, which is under review due to Surrey County Council's proposal to move operations to the Brokes Road site. Tanya Mancou-Flatt, Principal Planning Policy Officer, will follow up with Surrey County Council to confirm the relevance of the allocated funding.

A23 Great Street Design Code Supplementary Planning Document (SPD)

Councillor Michalowski presented the A23 Great Street Design Code SPD, developed with support from the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities Pathfinder programme. The design code aims to enhance the A23 corridor between Redhill and Horley, focusing on improving pedestrian and cyclist infrastructure, access to open spaces, development opportunities, and design quality. The code will guide future developments and provide a framework for assessing design proposals.

The public consultation for the design code ran from 7 December 2023 to 18 January 2024. Feedback from the consultation has been incorporated into the final document. The council approved the adoption of the design code, which will serve as a tool for future planning and development. The full report and consultation statement are available in the A23 Great Street Design Code SPD Report and Annex 2 A23 Great Street Design Code SPD Consultation Statement.

Councillor Blacker expressed concerns about the practicality of the design code, particularly regarding the A23's status as a major trunk road and the proposed changes. Councillor Michalowski and the council leader clarified that the design code is aspirational and any specific projects would undergo further consultation and design work by Surrey County Council.

Statements and Other Business

No additional statements or urgent business were discussed. The next Executive meeting was rescheduled to 18 July 2024 due to the upcoming general election on 4 July 2024.