BABERGH and Mid Suffolk communities are set to see more than £836,000 injected back into local projects – including major investments in helping to protect local heritage and village hall improvements – thanks to money collected from developers.

This week, cabinet members at Babergh and Mid Suffolk District Councils voted to approve the latest round of Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) bids which includes a total of £200K towards Stowmarket's Food Museum, in addition to projects such as footpath and bridleway upgrades, improvements to village halls, sports pavilions and parks.

CIL payments are a legal requirement paid by developers of residential sites across the districts.

Bids made for CIL funding are reviewed regularly by the councils and funding is earmarked for those projects that help enable local infrastructure to grow alongside housing developments.

This round of CIL will fund six successful projects in Babergh and 13 in Mid Suffolk.

Since May 2018, Babergh and Mid Suffolk have issued thirteen rounds of CIL funding totalling more than £15m, all of which has been provided to infrastructure projects across the districts. 

In Babergh, the successful bids include works at Belle Vue Park to create provision for disabled access to the park, toilets, and a changing places facility as well as energy efficiency upgrades to a village hall in Boxted and Hartest.

 Councillor Sallie Davies, cabinet member for Heritage, Planning & Infrastructure, at Babergh District Council, said: "This has been a fantastic round of CIL funding for our local communities.

"Babergh really needs these projects and I am thrilled to see us allocating funds to allow these projects to take place.  I look forward to seeing them come to fruition."

Mid Suffolk sees three successful bids for £100k projects which includes an extension to the area currently used to conserve historic objects at Stowmarket's Food Museum, together with new toilets and changing places facilities for the attraction, as well as an extension to Baylham Village Hall.

 Councillor Andrew Stringer, cabinet member for Heritage, Planning and Infrastructure at Mid Suffolk District Council, said: "I am really pleased to see the next round of CIL allocations for local community projects.

"I am especially pleased that so many footpath and cycleway applications are now being approved.

"I look forward to seeing some of these projects come to life and seeing our communities reap the benefits."

Here is the full list of awards:

Baylham Village Hall Enhancements/Extension - £100,000

At the core of the planned upgrades to the village hall is the drive to ensure that the enhancements are environmentally friendly and sustainable thus ensuring that running costs are lowered and that the 1920s building remains an integral part of the local community.

 Cllr Ross Piper, ward member for Needham Market, said: "These awards are very welcome to improve options for sustainable travel in the district as well as long overdue improvements to a valuable community resource."

Extension to the Collection Store at the Food Museum in Stowmarket - £100,000

This CIL Bid relates to the new build extension of the Collection Store only and would provide a more accessible, user-friendly space for staff, volunteers and researchers to work within. The conservation of the historic objects currently being stored within the Collection Store is not adequate, and the overall wider project for the Collection Store project will ensure that it is fit for purpose for the 21^st century.

Cllr Ollie Walters, ward member for St Peters, said: "I am delighted to see the development of the Collection Store, providing a more accessible, user-friendly space for staff, volunteers and researchers to work within. The conservation of the historic objects currently being stored within the Collection Store is not adequate, and the overall wider project for the Collection Store project will ensure that it is fit for purpose for the 21st century."

Toilets at the Food Museum in Stowmarket

This CIL Bid allows for the construction of toilets which would be disabled compliant and have parent and child facilities in addition to regular toilets which will provide a much-needed facility at the centre of this large site.

Cllr Ollie Walters, ward member for St Peters, said: "The construction of fully accessible toilets, with parent and child facilities in addition to regular toilets will provide a much-needed facility at the centre of this large site."

Boxted and Hartest Institute Village Hall Energy Upgrade - £65,810.43

This project to install solar panels and batteries, insulate internally the roof and walls of the building and install secondary glazing to the Hall, will make it more energy efficient and will continue to provide a thriving community hub for this lovely village in between Bury St Edmunds and Sudbury with the anticipation that it will attract more users once it becomes more energy efficient.

Cllr Michael Holt, ward member for Chadacre, said: "This project has my full support, and highlights what CIL can bring to our communities, adding a real benefit for residents in Hartest and the surrounding area. The Institute project is a great example of what can be achieved when looking at older buildings to improve their efficiency and sustainability."

Cllr Stephen Plumb, fellow ward member for Chadacre, said: "I am in favour of this award as an improvement to the infrastructure in Hartest."

Provision for disabled access to the park, toilets, and changing places facility via the creation of two disabled parking bays and new level paving and revised foundation design for the toilets at Belle Vue Park in Sudbury - £57,513.37

Provision for disabled access to the park, proposed café, toilets, and changing places facility via the creation of two disabled parking bays and new level paving.

Cllr Laura Smith, ward member for Sudbury South West, said: "I am pleased to back the bid for funding of the public toilets; with a 60-year durability these facilities will potentially be used by members of the community now and for several generations; the additional accessibility for disabled people and their friends/families/carers means Belle Vue Park and Sudbury can be fully inclusive for visitors, which is wonderful."

Copdock and Washbrook– Copdock and Old Ipswichian Cricket Club Pavilion extension - £45,000

The aim of the project is to erect an open sided extension that will provide a covered seated area which can be used for a variety of purposes for most of the year. It is hoped with the addition of a permanent extension, that the space will be even more useable and provide additional funds to support and maintain the building and surround greens.

Cllr David Busby, ward member for Copdock and Washbrook, said: "I am fully in favour of supporting this project. The Cricket Club has been very progressive in its approach to being a significant 'player' in community life. They have a much broader customer base than probably any cricket club in the east of England."

Upgrade to Wattisfield Road Public Rights of Way Route in Walsham Le Willows - £41,439.00   

This project will improve the off-road link between residential areas in the north and east of the village, to the centre of the village, the Sport Club, village allotments and the village school. In its present condition, the route becomes muddy, slippery and inaccessible for pushchairs, wheelchairs and people with mobility issues during the winter months and after periods of heavy rain. The new surface will make the route fully accessible throughout the year.

Cllr Richard Winch, ward member for Walsham-Le-Willows, said: "I'm really pleased with these footpath improvements which will enhance the link from the village to the Sports Club. This will allow residents much improved access for sporting and social activities throughout the whole year."

Provision of Oaks Meadow Car Park and Drainage project in Little Finborough - £26,488.33

The proposed project is to install a dedicated car parking area with parking for 20 vehicles (which includes 2 disabled bays) and 2 Sheffield bike stands and the appropriate drainage to ensure that the area which becomes waterlogged can be used all year round.

Cllr John Matthissen, ward member for Onehouse, said: "I'm delighted to see funding for this latest work to improve the first public amenity for the parishes of Combs and Little Finborough. Already well used, Oaks Meadow will be available for more people throughout the year."

 Upgrade to Restricted Byway 13 The Green in Hartest - £25,495.00

The project will improve and make accessible the surface of the existing Public Right of Way (PRoW), which is currently partly an unmade/grass surface that becomes very muddy, slippery and almost inaccessible during the winter.

Cllr Michael Holt, ward member for Chadacre, said: "This project has my full support and highlights what CIL can bring to our communities adding a real benefit for residents in Hartest and the surrounding area. The Institute project is a great example of what can be achieved when looking at older buildings to improve their efficiency and sustainability."Cllr Stephen Plumb, fellow ward member for Chadacre, said: "I am in favour of this award as an improvement to the infrastructure in Hartest."

Upgrade to Botesdale Byway 003 Bridewell Lane - £23,750.00

This project is seeking to upgrade the surface of the existing Public Right of Way (PRoW) which is currently an unmade/grass surface that becomes very muddy, slippery and almost inaccessible during the winter and after periods of heavy rain.

Upgrade to Footpath 052 Route from Village to School in Old Newton - £23,175.00

This project aims to create a year-round, sustainable route to school via a Public Footpath from Old Newton to the school, as the existing road network (Church Road) has no pedestrian provision with poor visibility around bends.

Cllr Rachel Eburne, ward member for Haughley, Stowupland & Wetherden, said: "The improvements to this footpath to school will be greatly appreciated by the community – and especially welcome in winter months when the path will be more accessible."

Cllr Janet Pearson, fellow ward member for Haughley, Stowupland & Wetherden, said: "This is a very welcome move for Old Newton where parents with young children have struggled for a long time with the choice between walking along an unsafe road or trying to navigate an overgrown or muddy footpath. It will greatly enhance pedestrian access to the school and help to reduce traffic problems on the roadway during school term time.

Upgrade to Footpath 008 Ashfield Road to Grove Lane in Elmswell - £21,661.67

This project aims to create a year-round sustainable route over via an existing footpath that would bring pedestrians safely from the village to the playing fields. The improvements to the footpath will link the village to important village amenities and more rural dwellings.

Cllr Sarah Mansell, also speaking on behalf of fellow ward councillor Cllr Jen Overett, said: "With the population of the village increasing, the improvement of these footpaths is essential.  In particular I welcome the improvements to the path from the north part of the village over the railway line via Lords Bridge. The level crossing in Station Road at times causes a traffic bottleneck and with the improvement of this path, we can hopefully encourage more residents to walk from their homes north of the railway line to facilities in the south of the village such as the primary school and library. We certainly need to be making it easier for people to travel sustainably within the community, so I fully support these CIL bids.

Upgrade to Public Footpath 029, adjacent to Pinecroft Rise, Ballingdon in Sudbury - £20,275.00

The proposed infrastructure is to upgrade an existing Public Right of Way (PRoW) being Public Footpath 029, adjacent to Pinecroft Rise, Ballingdon with c.100m of new surfacing.

Cllr Laura Smith, ward member for Sudbury South West, said: "Funding for this upgrade is a positive step - it will improve safety and accessibility to this stretch of the Stour Valley Path.

The mental and physical benefits of walking and spending time in nature are well known, so this will be a win for local residents as well as a potential tourism draw for local businesses in Sudbury."

Upgrade to Footpath 025 North Elmswell to South Elmswell via Lords Bridge - £16.161.67

This project aims to create a safe year-round route over a railway bridge that would bring pedestrians safely from north to south and vice versa from the village to the Blackbourne Centre and beyond and will be in the vicinity of the schools. This proposal represents an "oven ready" scheme with evidence of community support.

Cllr Sarah Mansell, also speaking on behalf of fellow ward councillor Cllr Jen Overett, said: "With the population of the village increasing, the improvement of these footpaths is essential.  In particular I welcome the improvements to the path from the north part of the village over the railway line via Lords Bridge. The level crossing in Station Road at times causes a traffic bottleneck and with the improvement of this path, we can hopefully encourage more residents to walk from their homes north of the railway line to facilities in the south of the village such as the primary school and library. We certainly need to be making it easier for people to travel sustainably within the community, so I fully support these CIL bids.

Upgrade of Footpath 035 adjacent to Church Road in Stowupland - £14,950.00

The proposed infrastructure is to improve c 100m of the existing Public Right of Way (PRoW), which is currently an unmade/grass surface that becomes very muddy, slippery and almost inaccessible during the winter and after periods of heavy rain.

Cllr Rachel Eburne, ward member for Haughley, Stowupland & Wetherden, said: "I'm really pleased to see this bid approved as it will improve a short but very important stretch of footpath that the village have been requesting for some time."

Cllr Janet Pearson, fellow ward member for Haughley, Stowupland & Wetherden, said: "The improvements to this footpath, presently sometimes unusable in winter weather, will create a sustainable route to the High School, benefitting both pupils and local residents more generally."

Provision of Boxford Playing Field Floodlights - £9,773.10

The project will provide increased access to sporting facilities with the provision of an illuminated practice pitch during the dark evenings and autumn/winter months

Upgrade to Footpath 026 Elmswell to Elmswell Cemetery - £8,666.67 

This project would be the start of a direct route to Elmswell and would travel via key village amenities that are at present inaccessible to some users and at certain times of year – the cemetery, allotments and Lukes Wood.

Cllr Sarah Mansell, also speaking on behalf of fellow ward councillor Cllr Jen Overett, said: "With the population of the village increasing, the improvement of these footpaths is essential.  In particular I welcome the improvements to the path from the north part of the village over the railway line via Lords Bridge. The level crossing in Station Road at times causes a traffic bottleneck and with the improvement of this path, we can hopefully encourage more residents to walk from their homes north of the railway line to facilities in the south of the village such as the primary school and library. We certainly need to be making it easier for people to travel sustainably within the community, so I fully support these CIL bids.

Upgrade to Baylham Byway Open to All Traffic (BOAT) 40- Nettlestead restricted byway 002 - £4,000.00

This project will provide a safer route between the two locations;(Byway open to all traffic) users will have improved access to the wider green access network.

Cllr Ross Piper, fellow ward member for Needham Market, said: "These awards are very welcome to improve options for sustainable travel in the district as well as long overdue improvements to a valuable community resource."

Upgrade to Footpath 028 off Forest Road in Onehouse - £2,975.00 

This project will provide a safer route between the two locations;(Byway open to all traffic) users will have improved access to the wider green access network and the route will also be open to additional users which have been precluded up until now.

Cllr John Matthissen, ward member for Onehouse, said: "Walkers in Onehouse and the many ramblers from further afield who enjoy our rural parish will be pleased to see this improvement."