Infrastructure gets a £1m boost
Winchester City Council’s Cabinet has approved plans to make it easier for local groups to access Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) funding for schemes in their areas.
CIL is a tool used by local authorities to help deliver infrastructure to support local areas. It is a planning charge that local authorities can impose on developments that create net additional floor space where the gross internal area of a new build is 100m2 or more.
At its meeting on 19 September, the Cabinet agreed to earmark £1m of CIL funding between 2019 and 2022. District councillors, parish councillors and other local groups will be able to apply for funding of between £10,000 and £200,000 for suitable projects that meet the spending guidelines set out in the Cabinet report.
Some £210,000 of CIL money to date has helped fund major improvements at Whiteshute Ridge, Winchester and New Road recreation ground in Swanmore.
A further £900k has been committed to a range of projects including £50,000 towards the Jubilee Hall car park extension in Bishop’s Waltham, a £250,000 contribution towards a new car park at The Dean in Alresford, and £250,000 to improve drainage in Wickham.
Other schemes being considered for CIL funding include the proposed new Sports & Leisure Centre as well as Bar End and public realm improvements in the city related to the Centre of Winchester Regeneration project.
Portfolio Holder for Built Environment, Cllr Caroline Brook said:
“This is a fantastic opportunity for groups across the district to submit their projects for consideration.
“We know that there are so many projects in the district that could benefit from this funding and that it will make a real difference to local communities. To make this possible, we have changed the process to make it simpler to apply for funding. I look forward to seeing CIL money being allocated to local schemes that will improve the lives of our residents.”
CIL funding applications can be submitted between January and March each year.
Further information about how groups can bid for CIL funding will be released in the coming weeks and to find out more about CIL visit http://www.winchester.gov.uk/planning/community-infrastructure-levy-cil or email cil@winchester.gov.uk.