From this week's Herald:
Task force targets community cash
Friday, January 10, 2014
Civic leaders will set up a task force to stake Sidmouth's claim for £1.5 million in community cash that has come from a development of luxury flats in the town.
Money form Sanditon - built on the site of the former Fortfield Hotel - is being handed to the district council in instalments after it was completed last month.
The £1.5 million section 106 sum, for affordable housing and tourisim, could be splashed across East Devon despite Sidmouth losing a hotel...
It was revealed on Monday that Sidmouth Town Council is to form a working party on the matter after one of its members reiterated his concerns.
Cllr Ian Barlow said the body should come up with projects so the resort does not 'miss out' on the funds.
Chairman John Hollick said he would set up a task and finish forum after the council's annual meeting in May.
http://www.sidmouth.gov.uk/PDFs/stc%20agendas%202013/Agenda%20STC-060114.pdf
Futures Forum: Fortfield Hotel ... to ... Sanditon apartments
This week questions were also asked about the 'hoarding' of S 106 funds:
Where is your community’s Section 106 money? | Sidmouth Independent News
BBC News - £1.5bn 'community cash' unspent by English councils
Councils hoarding £1.5bn of Section 106 payments Ι Construction Enquirer
Councils deny sitting on regeneration cash - LocalGov.co.uk - Your authority on UK local government
Under Section 106, developers commit themselves to spending on local projects, one of which is affordable housing:
Futures Forum: East Devon and affordable housing: November 2012 4jun
Futures Forum: Persimmon, Sidmouth and "promoting well-designed housing that is sustainable and provides much-needed new housing..."
There have been other projects financed by S106 funds:
Futures Forum: Sidmouth funding for cycling?
Timetable agreed for £7.4million Dartmoor cycling boost | Exeter Express and Echo
Healthy turnout for new Budleigh outdoor gym facility voting | Exeter Express and Echo
Town votes on new gym - News - Exmouth Journal
Sidmouth £250k giveaway winners announced - News - Sidmouth Herald
It must be remembered, however, that these S106 funds are statutory obligations:
When is a “giveaway” not a give away? | Sidmouth Independent News
Futures Forum: Asking the community how to spend their money
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