Range of projects benefitting from CIL funding boost in South Downs

August 16, 2023

Nikki Allen, CIL planning officer, gives an update on schemes benefitting from the Community Infrastructure Levy.

In 2022-2023 the Authority received just over £3 million in Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) funds, and gave out monies to 25 different projects.

One of the successful projects that completed last year was at Buzz Active, situated at Seven Sisters Country Park. Buzz Active was awarded £30,000 in CIL funding for improvements to the access to the river for paddle sport users. The works included riverbank repairs and reinforcement, protection of the area from further erosion and providing set places to launch and land from for the betterment of local paddling and water users, including those using Buzz Active outdoor centres.

Since the project was completed it has received many positive reviews. Visitors can now park adjacent to the launch site, giving ready access to a section of purpose built river bank with steps to allow easy access and egress, without overcrowding on the Buzz Active slipway or causing damage to the bank.

Since April 2023 the Authority has given out a further £242,200 to seven projects;

£150,000 for the regeneration of the Cockshut Chalk stream.
£28,000 to Easebourne Play Park for an eco-friendly WC.
£18,000 to Meonstoke Infant School for a nature friendly, outdoor learning area in the school grounds.
£13,500 to South Malling School for a new “Trim Trail”
£11,400 to Liss Triangle Community Centre for repairs to the front wall of the building;
£11,300 to Hampshire County Council for improvements and decluttering in Farringdon.
£10,000 to Lewes Railway Land Local Nature Reserve for improvements to the Mound by the Heart of Reeds.