An accessible recreation ground, a tree planting project, and new outdoor gym equipment, are just some of the projects that have received funding as part of a scheme overseen by Chichester District Council.
More than 30 projects in 22 parishes have received a share of over £250,000 through the council’s New Homes Bonus (Parish Allocations) Scheme. The scheme is open to all communities that have taken new homes. The Grants and Concessions Panel reviewed the applications and distributed the money for local projects within the district.
Some of the projects that received funding were:
- Birdham: received £6,327 for a new bus shelter at Bell Lane.
- Chichester City: £5,000 for the creation of a health and wellbeing hub at Havenstoke Park Pavilion.
- Chidham and Hambrook: £1,500 towards tree planting on roadside verges in the Parish.
- Donnington: £2,616 towards improving disabled access for Donnington Parish Hall.
- East Wittering and Bracklesham: £15,000 for the refurbishment of Downview Pavilion.
- Loxwood: £2,880 towards a squash court renovation project.
- Midhurst: £4,900 for a cemetery renovation project.
- Selsey: £18,805 towards an inclusive recreation ground for all ages, including a wheelchair swing and a wheelchair accessible roundabout.
- Tangmere: £3,807 to provide a water supply to Youth Hall.
- Wisborough Green: £2,338 towards a speed monitoring project in the community
Money is awarded to projects that can demonstrate the impacts of development, aim to enhance the local area, and benefit the community.
Councillor Roy Briscoe, Cabinet Member for Community Services and Culture at Chichester District Council, said: “It’s fantastic that we’ve once again received lots of applications for a variety of different local projects, all of which will benefit residents across the district.
“The Government recognises that more housing can result in extra pressures so it has passed this funding to local councils to help communities enhance local facilities for new and existing residents. The aim of this scheme is to improve and enhance the quality of life for communities.
“It is especially important this year, as we plan our recovery from coronavirus, that we put community recovery at the heart of the council’s agenda. In addition to the funding from the New Homes Bonus Scheme, we have also put aside a further £250,000 for a Community Recovery Grants fund which will support established voluntary groups who have either been financially impacted by Covid-19 and need to maintain levels of service of increased demand; or require funding for innovative projects to support recovery in the community. Applications are still open, and can be made by visiting: https://www.chichester.gov.uk/covidrecoverygrants.
“This will help to provide another route of support for our community groups who have been so crucial to supporting the areas they serve during this crisis. On behalf of the council I’d like to thank them for their commitment and dedication.”
To see the full list of projects and examples of how the New Homes Bonus has helped communities in the past, please visit: www.chichester.gov.uk/newhomesbonus
