The Knightsbridge Partnership have made three funding applications in July to access the Neighbourhood Community Infrastructure Levy (NCIL) available from the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea.
The Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea obtain Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) via a charge levied on new development in the borough. 15% of the CIL obtained is apportioned as Neighbourhood CIL (NCIL). This allocation is to be spent on local priorities identified by local communities and agreed by ward councillors.
Through consultation pre pandemic, the top borough wide community priorities identified by respondents were:
- Air Quality
- Policing resources and Emergency Services
- Parks and Open Spaces
- Streetscape
- Community Safety
Each ward also featured specific priorities to align with their individual requirements. Once applications are received within the NCIL application window, these are managed by Planning and Place at the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea. Once reviewed against the local priorities the projects are considered by ward councillors.
The Knightsbridge Partnership submitted three applications. The first application focused on the installation of air quality monitors. The partnership would work alongside Air Quality England and the Imperial College, who deliver the ‘Breath London’ community network of air quality monitors.
The installation of new air quality monitors along Brompton Road, will enable identification of areas with poor air quality and for measures to be established to reduce pollution levels. Air pollution within the borough generally consists of Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2), Particulate Matter (PM10 and PM2.5) and Ozone (O3), with the main sources of NO2 coming largely from road transport and commercial heating. By firstly monitoring and then improving air quality, Knightsbridge as an economic centre can thrive in the future.
Knightsbridge Partnership is awaiting the result of the funding application.
Please visit here to see information on the two further applications, Public Realm and CCTV.
