A GOVERNMENT inspector has approved plans to give major infrastructure projects in Oxford a funding boost.

Oxford City Council is set to become one of the first authorities in the country to be given new powers to bill developers for major projects.

The new “community infrastructure levy” – or CIL – has been approved by inspector Geoff Salter.

At the moment developers enter into so-called section 106 agreements which means they pay for measures to soften the impact of developments.

But CIL will apply to most developers who will pay a set fee based on the size of the development in square metres.

The city council estimates the move will raise £25m by 2022.

A list of projects the money would be spent on has been drawn up, including the expansion of Peartree park and ride by 500 at a cost of £3.6m and new bridges over the River Thames at Jackdaw Lane and Oxpens costing £4.65m.