Peninsula councillors have urged parishes to be ambitious and start bidding for community infrastructure projects.

Communities across Babergh have received a funding boost totalling more than £200,000 to be used for local projects and ward members are encouraging peninsula groups to be ambitious and put in their own bids.

Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) is collected from developers when they build new properties in Babergh, with the aim of ensuring local infrastructure keeps pace with housing growth. 

Babergh cabinet, including Ganges ward member Derek Davis approved CIL funding of £190,000 so work can commence on revitalising a plot of land on Water Street, Lavenham, which was used for gas works between 1872 to 1937.

Other areas to receive CIL funding during this spending round include East Bergholt, successfully securing over £14,000 towards essential improvement works at Constable Memorial Hall, and the community of Cockfield, who will benefit from £25,000 towards an adventure playground.

A joint bid for £8,000 from Suffolk County Council and Capel St Mary Parish Council to provide a bus shelter on Thorney Road was also given the green light.

Jane Gould, who represents the Orwell ward, including Chelmondiston, Woolverstone, Freston, Wherstead and Tattingstone, wants villagers to take advantage of these grants.

"A good Neighbourhood Development Plan highlights what communities would like to see in their areas such as improved facilities in village halls, children's play areas and green spaces, cycle paths and footpaths and much more," said Cllr Gould. "Some of the items on village wish lists can be funded by CIL money, let's think big and improve the facilities on our beautiful peninsula."

Alastair McCraw, Brantham ward is keen to see infrastructure keep pace with new developments.

He said: "A bid for CIL funding is a wonderful way to support a community's own plans to add needed and new infrastructure.

"The required standard for successful bids is high and it should be. If it's worth doing....it must be done well."

District CIL is income retained by the district council to spend on infrastructure to support development. This money must be applied for and the decision to spend amounts above a certain level has to be taken by Cabinet. The next bidding round will be open between 1 – 31 May 2020. Successful bids will receive their funding in Autumn 2020. 

Lavenham's successful bid is an example of what can be achieved.

These technological advances will not be at the cost of local heritage, as plans are in place to display information panels at the site sharing the historical importance of the former gas works. The site's gas holder, which is a scheduled ancient monument, will also be renovated - providing another visitor attraction for the area.

Following overwhelming support from the local community, works will be carried out by Lavenham Parish Council, who will also contribute £48,000 of their local parish council Neighbourhood CIL fund towards the project. 

Cllr Clive Arthey, Babergh District Council's Cabinet Member for Planning, said: "CIL monies can be a long-term beneficial funding source which makes a real difference to residents in Babergh. These payments ensure housing growth in our district enables communities to thrive, not just now, but for many years to come.

Developer Contributions Database.