Two separate sports and recreational projects in Babergh are to receive an injection of more than £118k from Babergh District Council, thanks to funds collected from developers. 

Cabinet members at Babergh District Council, this week voted to approve £118,633 worth of funding from the Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) bids for projects in Hadleigh and Tattingstone.

CIL payments are legally required from developers of residential sites across the district, and are then redistributed by Babergh District Council to help local facilities keep pace with housing growth. 

 This latest round of CIL funding will help two successful project bids – with improvements to Tattingstone Playing Field receiving more than £18K and the creation of a new sports pavilion in Hadleigh receiving £100K.

The project will provide additional children’s play equipment within the current play area site at Tattingstone Village Playing Field suitable for under elevens.

The new equipment will benefit the wider community as well as promote physical activity, social interaction, and community cohesion.

Councillor Daniel Potter, ward member for Orwell, said: “I am delighted to see the award of CIL go towards the children's play area at Tattingstone playing fields.

“The award will help strengthen the bond between Tattingstone and its community, as more families will be able to enjoy use of the new facilities for the future, it is a very welcome and valued contribution.”

The CIL award for the Layham Road Sports Ground Pavilion in Hadleigh is in addition to £108K of Section 106 funding which has been allocated to the project.

The project includes the creation of a new sports pavilion to replace the temporary facilities that are currently in place. The new pavilion will meet the needs of the clubs and communities that make use of the sporting facilities.

 Bids made for CIL funding are regularly reviewed by the Council and earmarked for projects which help local infrastructure keep pace with developments happening in the districts.

This is the thirteenth round of CIL funding which has been available through the council since May 2018 and to date, has allocated £3.6m to Infrastructure projects across Babergh.

Cllr Sallie Davies, cabinet member for heritage, planning and infrastructure at Babergh District Council, said:

"This round of CIL funding has highlighted some of the great projects that are being undertaken throughout the district and I would encourage others to really make use of this funding as it is available to benefit our local communities.

"I hope that by the council providing a helping hand to these projects, the community are able to reap the benefits for years to come."

Cllr Jane Carruthers, ward member for Hadleigh South, said: "The new pavilion planned for the Layham Road Sports Ground is well overdue and will be welcomed by all Hadleigh residents. It will be well used by the community for both sports and social events.

 Councillor Kathryn Grandon, fellow ward member for Hadleigh South, said: "I am very pleased that CIL funding is being used for this much needed facility for Hadleigh.

"It will be of great benefit to the community by not only providing a range of health benefits for all ages but an opportunity for individuals to meet with other members of the local area."