More than £200,000 is set to be reinvested into Babergh communities thanks to funding collected from developers. 

Cabinet members at Babergh voted on Monday afternoon to approve the latest round of Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) bids, which includes projects such as play areas upgrades and the creation of accessible changing places toilets.

CIL payments, which are a legal requirement paid by developers of residential sites across the districts, will fund nine successful bids for community projects.

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

Since May 2018, Babergh ahas issued 12 rounds of CIL funding amounting t millions, all of which has been provided to infrastructure projects across the district. 

Cllr Sallie Davies

Councillor Sallie Davies, cabinet member for planning at Babergh District Council, said: "It is great to see the next round of CIL bids approved by councillors at Babergh District Council.    

"Thanks to this funding, our communities can put in place vital facilities and ensure that the infrastructure is able to grow at the same pace as housing.  

"I welcome all of the funding bids. I also look forward to more communities coming to us with great ideas and bringing them to life with CIL funding. "

Among the projects funding approved was Merriam Close Play Area Upgrade in Brantham at £3,833.47

This project is the upgrade to the play area at Marriam Close and installation of additional play equipment to widen the age range and abilities which this play area caters for

Councillor Alastair McCraw, ward member for Brantham, said: "CIL is a useful route to funding for communities from developer money. I'm always happy to support local bids here and elsewhere.''

Brantham play area to be boosted (Picture: Nub News lbrary)

Also among the successful bids was Cordell Place Play Area in Long Melford with £97,437.31

The project entails an upgrade and additional equipment to widen the age range and abilities which the Cordell Place play area caters for, including team play.  

This project will involve the removal of the existing equipment and creating an inclusive and accessible area (which will include sensory play equipment), create a safe enclosed area for the under 5s and include provision of equipment for team games (five-a-side goals).  

Also approved were major works to the toilet block at Belle Vue Park in Sudbury which, once completed, will include brand new accessible changing places toilets, £100,000 to modernise an existing footpath to future proof it for generations to come and upgrades to both a play area and village hall. 

Funding for this project will enable the creation of a brand new toilet and changing places facility. This will also include the ground works for the toilets, drainage and electrical provision for the toilets, works to a nearby wall and the re-cambering of the car park. 

Councillor Laura Smith, ward councillor for Sudbury South West, said: "I am delighted that Babergh District Council is giving the go ahead for funding these improvements – they will benefit the local community and encourage visits to the area. 

"Park users of all ages will benefit from the new toilets, especially those needing enhanced changing facilities. I look forward to using the café and attending the events which will happening in the park. Hopefully this is the start of the changes to Belle Vue Park that people in Sudbury have been waiting for."

The agenda for the 4 March Babergh District Council cabinet meeting, with a link to the livestream, can be found here.