£500K boost for community projects thanks to developer funding
Cabinet members at both Mid Suffolk and Babergh District Councils met this week to agree the latest round of Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) funding.
The levy is paid by housing developers to the councils, which is then earmarked for projects to help local infrastructure keep pace with housing growth.
The councils regularly consider bids made for CIL funding, with around £17.7 million allocated to infrastructure projects across the districts since May 2018.
In this latest round of awards, CIL funding of £338,230 has been allocated to seven projects in Babergh and £186,861 towards five projects in Mid Suffolk, each encouraging residents to be more social and active.
Funding of £100K has been agreed for East Bergholt Tennis Club so it can make the clubhouse and toilets more accessible.
A further £100K is going to Nayland-with-Wissington Village Hall for a major upgrade to its roof and insulation so it can continue to be a valuable hub for the local community.
In Mid Suffolk, £75,000 is to be awarded to the Little Blakenham Village Hall rebuild project to replace the village hall and increase the range of events and activities available for the local community.
Further awards made in Babergh include:
• £82,405 to the children’s play area at Leavenheath
• £22,475 to upgrade a bridleway in Holbrook
• £17,450 to upgrade footpaths in Great Waldingfield
• £8,625 to support the Tattingstone Village Hall solar energy project
• £7,275 to create an all year round bridleway in Freston
In Mid Suffolk, awards include:
• £35,778 to upgrade the Gipping Valley River Path between Stowmarket and Needham Market
• £35,026 to Blackbourne Community Centre, Elmswell for additional solar PV and onsite battery storage
• £20,949 for a community courtyard and social space at Badwell Ash Village Hall
• £20,107 for the installation of a new sewage system at Battisford and District Cricket Club
Cllr Sallie Davies, cabinet member for heritage, planning and infrastructure at Babergh District Council, said:
“The variety in the applications highlights the range of improvements that are being made possible through CIL funding, and the ways that developer contributions can address the needs of local communities and enhance the quality of life for residents across our district.”
Cllr Andrew Stringer, cabinet member for heritage, planning and infrastructure at Mid Suffolk District Council, said:
“It’s great to see CIL funding being used to help projects across the district and becoming tangible, impactful investments in local infrastructure – making our communities more sustainable and improving neighbourhood facilities across Mid Suffolk.”
