Funding for local projects announced by New Forest District Council
It's to support a growing community
Local improvement projects are being supported by the New Forest District Council (NFDC) with new guidance on how ‘Community Infrastructure Levy’ (CIL) funds are spent.
After collecting the levy from developers building in the district, money has already been allocated to meeting the needs of the community following its growth.
A number of ‘Green Way’ projects are part of it this, including new natural green spaces, dog agility parks and improvements to local walking routes.
CIL can fund a range of infrastructure projects including highway and transport improvements to play areas and community buildings, with the NFDC Cabinet agreeing that up to £1 million of the current CIL funds will be used for capital bids to fund local infrastructure projects.
Cllr Derek Tipp, Portfolio holder for Planning and Economy, said “New development in the district is crucial for the ongoing vitality and prosperity of the area. It creates jobs, homes and communities. But it does need to have consideration for the physical, social and green infrastructure in the area. This is why it is so important we have a robust mechanism for deciding how the CIL will best contribute to the funding of infrastructure projects.
“By making this £1m available now it will help infrastructure to be delivered on projects local communities have highlighted as a need and will enable us to think more widely about strategic infrastructure over the next year. I am pleased we are looking to expand the use of the funds and look forward to assessing projects put forward.”