Councillors have voted on the allocation of funds from the Community Infrastructure Levy.

At a Test Valley Borough Council on Wednesday, April 17, the council discussed the allocation of funding from CIL which is imposed on developers. 

The recommendation put forward to the council was an allocation of £467,910 to four projects, namely the Picket Piece Village Hall extension in Andover (£245,000), Ampfield Recreation Ground cricket training facilities (£46,639), Broughton Sports Pavilion additional funding (£100,000) and the Wellow Men's Shed (£76,271).

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CIL is an important tool for local authorities to help them deliver the infrastructure needed to support development in their area.

Most new development which creates net additional floor space of 100 square metres or more, or creates a new dwelling, is potentially liable for the levy.

Councillors discussed the projects that would receive funding.

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Cllr Alison Johnston said: "One of the disparities in rural communities is that there is less access to youth sports and that is down to a lack of facilities, transport opportunities and engagement within the community, and sports facilities in rural settings are not just about games. They're vital for health, as well as social and economic well-being.

"Alongside that, we have witnessed shocking childhood obesity statistics. We should be doing all we can to support youth sport funding, so I welcome this additional funding for the Broughton Sports Pavilion Additional Funding.

Cllr Nick Lodge said: "The Picket Piece Village Hall was built in the 1970s and has seen very little improvement since then, although the population of Picket Piece has increased by around 20 times so this money will make a big difference to the village hall and the people of Picket Piece.

"It will also make the hall more lettable for events which in turn will provide income to aid with the maintenance of the hall. This will make a big difference."

Cllr Alan Dowden enquired if organisations and schemes could apply for support from the Community Infrastructure Levy, such as to help with the cost of installing solar panels, with a reply from Test Valley officers saying that organisations were welcome to apply for funding to aid in these kinds of projects.

The motion was passed by the council.