£4.39 million funding boost for Babergh and Mid Suffolk communities

Over £4.39 million of funding from housing growth has helped to support 35 projects and community facilities including the expansion of Bramford and Claydon Primary Schools and a nursery in Wingfield, the expansion of Mendlesham Health Centre and the creation of a new Emergency Services Hub in Stowmarket.

The money has come via Babergh and Mid Suffolk District Councils’ allocation of Community Infrastructure Levy which has been collected from developers when they build new homes in the districts – supporting the councils’ vision for communities with bright and healthy futures and ensuring that local infrastructure keeps pace with growth.

During the past 12 months over £3.26 million has been awarded to 35 projects across both districts, with £2,240,679 allocated to Mid Suffolk and Babergh receiving £1,019,397.

This includes CIL funding to help address climate change, following the approval of bids totalling £100,000 to allow the councils’ fleet to switch to Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil fuel – providing a reduction in carbon emissions of up to 90%.

Over £1.179 million was also allocated towards education infrastructure, enabling the expansion of Bramford and Claydon Primary Schools and a nursery in Wingfield.

Other successful bids given the go-ahead in Mid Suffolk, include £239,000 towards the proposed expansion of Mendlesham Health Centre and £431,740 to facilitate the creation of a new Emergency Services Hub in Stowmarket for the Police, Fire and Ambulance Services.

Babergh District Council’s continued commitment to investing heavily in Sudbury as part of the Sudbury Vision was also furthered by CIL in 2020, with £183,000 approved for CCTV in the town and Hadleigh, as well as £75,000 to help the regeneration of St Peter’s Church into a cultural hub for activities.

In addition, town and parish councils across Babergh and Mid Suffolk received CIL funding totalling £1,138,909 during the year – with £824,703 being distributed to 39 town and parish councils in Mid Suffolk and 21 of Babergh’s town and parish councils receiving a share of £314,206.

Parish councils receive this money automatically and are eligible for up to 15% of collected funds from their area, subject to a financial cap, with the potential for this to increase to 25% if they have successfully adopted a Neighbourhood Plan.

Communities wishing to benefit from future CIL funding can find further information about the application process on the councils’ CIL webpages. The next bidding round will open on May 1, 2021, and run until May 31, 2021, with successful bids receiving funding in Autumn 2021.

Clive Arthey, Babergh District Council’s cabinet member for Planning, said: “CIL monies are a long-term beneficial funding source which continues to make a real difference to the lives of Babergh residents. It’s great news that over the past year a range of bids have secured the infrastructure needed for our communities to thrive both now and in years to come, whilst also preserving our district’s rich heritage and culture.”

And David Burn, Mid Suffolk District Council’s cabinet member for Planning, said: “This funding demonstrates how housing growth builds not just homes, but communities with bright and healthy futures. I am pleased that recent contributions will also pave the way for further sustainable transport options, as well as measures to reduce carbon emissions – supporting our council’s ongoing commitment to addressing climate change.”

Babergh District Council approved amendments to the existing CIL Expenditure Framework – originally adopted by both councils in April 2018 – at its meeting on Tuesday (March 23), with councillors from Mid Suffolk District Council voted on proposals yesterday (Thursday, March 25).

Further information about how CIL works can be found on the councils website, with details about how the levy has been allocated available on the councils’ award-winning Developer Contributions Database.