Thirteen projects to benefit as Stratford District Council's Cabinet approves Community Infrastructure Levy Funds

13 community projects in Stratford-on-Avon will receive a combined total of nearly £2.7million from the District Council's Community Infrastructure Levy following approval of applications by the Cabinet.

The allocation of the funding will see development of various projects that will strengthen local communities including £1.4m for a GP surgery and health facilities in Shipston, £357K for a new community sports pavilion in Welford on Avon, £175K for a replacement village hall in Wixford, cycle routes, community centres and play areas.

A total of 35 projects were presented to the Cabinet to consider. The Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) is a charge levied by local authorities on new developments in their area. It is an important tool for delivering additional infrastructure in local communities to mitigate the impact of development.

The 13 successful project applications in this round were:

• A new GP practice on the current Ellen Badger Hospital site in Shipston-on-Stour received £1,418,200. The surgery is needed following expansion to the local population and will be built on the site of the current Ellen Badger Hospital site.
• £357K for a new multi-purpose Community Sports Pavilion and a large open area for team sports, community events and meetings at Synder Meadow, Welford-on-Avon.  This received £357,000.
• Natural Flood Management on the Alne and Arrow River Catchments, funding a series of natural interventions to help hold water back and combat flooding in the area will receive £30,300.
• Alcester Road Cycle Route Enhancements received £282K to enhance existing cycling provision on a 2.3km stretch on the A422.
• Grace's Playground in Ilmington received £30,000 for renovation of equipment and safety surfacing.
• Street lighting improvements and upgrade facilities at Napton-on-the Hill was allocated £8,370.
• Wixford will receive £175K towards a new village hall on the site of the current dilapidated 1930 building which was not deemed safe to reopen after the pandemic. 
• The Avon and Arrow Greenway Project will receive £310,369 to enhance 3.7km of walkway from Salford Priors to the river bridge in Wixford.
• Community Garden at Glebe Road, Bishopton received £28,604 towards a new 320 sq metre sports area and basketball court.
• The Meon Vale Community Project Phase 2 received £15,000 to develop an existing pavilion building to increase capacity for community involvement.
• Youth shelter and meeting area at Moreton Morrell Playing Field was awarded £4,500 to provide much-needed facilities for young people in the area to exercise and socialise.
• The replacement of play equipment at Wootton Wawen Church of England Primary School received £8,268.
• £19,000 was allocated for structured sports in Lighthorne and Upper Lighthorne to includes sports field and parking capacity improvements.

Cllr Daren Pemberton, portfolio holder for place and economy said: "CIL monies collected from developers enable us to support infrastructure projects brought forward by local communities. This balances the inevitable impact of development by delivering locally supported schemes that can have a hugely positive impact on the quality of life for many residents across the District. 

"I look forward to seeing these projects come to fruition and quickly benefitting our communities. At the same time, I urge other communities to come forward with new projects for the next round of CIL fund allocation."

Full details of the successful and all other applications are available in the Cabinet report of 6 February.