Horsham District Council has approved more than £7.2 million of Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) funding for a range of projects that will enhance facilities, improve connections and support healthier, stronger communities across the Horsham District.
The investment will help deliver improvements to sports and leisure facilities, transport and active travel infrastructure, healthcare provision and public spaces, ensuring local communities benefit from the investment that accompanies new development.
Following a call for bids from projects identified within the Council's Infrastructure Delivery Plan, funding has been awarded to:
- Pitch improvements at Jubilee Fields, Billingshurst
- New cricket nets at Jubilee Fields
- Storrington Cricket Club development projects
- Improvements to the entrance of Horsham Rail Station
- Redevelopment of Chanctonbury Leisure Centre
- Junction improvements at West Parade, North Parade and Wimblehurst Road, Horsham
- A new cycleway along Hurst Road, Horsham
- A new health centre in Mowbray
- Football pitch drainage improvements across the District
- A new cricket pavilion in Pulborough.
The Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) is a charge on new development which helps fund the infrastructure needed to support growing communities. Funds generated through new homes development are invested into projects that improve local facilities and services, helping ensure communities have the infrastructure they need as the District grows.
The funding can be used to deliver a wide range of projects including sports and leisure facilities, healthcare provision, sustainable transport improvements, biodiversity enhancements, open spaces and community amenities. A proportion of CIL funding is also passed directly to Parish Councils to support local priorities.
Horsham District Council Cabinet Member for Planning and Infrastructure Cllr Ruth Fletcher said: "The Council is committed to ensuring that the funds generated through new homes development are invested into projects that improve local facilities and services, helping ensure communities have the infrastructure they need as the district grows.
The funding for this £7.2 million investment has been generated by the new homes that have been built in our area. It will make a tangible difference to people's everyday lives, helping create healthier, better connected and more vibrant communities right across our District.
“By working closely with our infrastructure partners, we're ensuring that investment linked to growth is being used to deliver lasting improvements that local people can see and enjoy."