The money has been collected by the council through Section 106 agreements, which require developers to contribute towards infrastructure and community improvements as part of planning permission.
Nick Adams-King, leader of the county council, said: “At the end of the day, the last thing I want to do is to see any funding at all that is paid through section 106 handed back to developers.
“That is at the forefront of everything.”
The funds are intended to support areas such as transport, education, countryside management, travel planning, and bus services.
Councillor Adams-King said that during his time as cabinet member for highways, the management and spending of Section 106 money was a key focus.
He said that a board was established to review each funding allocation to ensure the money is properly spent.
He said: “Each of those schemes are being driven forward.”
Councillor Jackie Porter, who raised the issue at a full council meeting on July 17, asked whether the council could deliver the expected outcomes of the agreements in a timely manner.
Councillor Adams-King said the council is determined to avoid missing out on the funding by ensuring it is used as intended.
Section 106 agreements are legally binding and designed to help mitigate the impact of new developments on surrounding communities.
