Lewes District Council commits more than £1.2m from developer fees to improve local sports, playgrounds and transport
Lewes District Council has confirmed the allocation of £1.278 million from the Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) to support a variety of projects across the district.
This latest round of funding, approved by the council’s Cabinet on 12 November, will fund improvements to play areas, sports facilities, shared public spaces and transport links.
Since the introduction of CIL in 2015, the council has distributed a total of £17 million to improve local amenities. The levy is a developer charge to fund infrastructure benefiting local communities.
Significant allocations include £477,444 towards the construction of a new sports hall in Plumpton and £295,000 for substantial upgrades to Wivelsfield’s recreation ground. The Wivelsfield project will feature improved playground facilities, a new multi-use games area and an all-weather walking track.
Peacehaven is set to receive £250,000 for enhancements to The Hub, alongside £50,000 dedicated to replacing play equipment at Epinay Playground.
Chatsworth Park will benefit from £81,000 to improve its café and community space, while £60,000 has been allocated for upgrades to Sidings Car Park in Newhaven to improve access and connectivity.
Additional funding approved by Cabinet includes £26,270 for the unwinding path at Seaford Leisure Centre, £15,625 for improvements to the A275 road at Chailey, and £10,661 to install solar panels at Beechwood Hall in Hamsey.
A further £7,000 will fund a replacement bus stop in Barcombe, alongside £5,000 for a village sign and place finder in Cooksbridge.
Councillor Zoe Nicholson, Leader of Lewes District Council, said: “I am immensely proud that our council has used CIL to deliver fantastic improvements across the district. This funding will bring real benefits for residents of all ages, enhancing leisure opportunities, community spaces, accessibility, transport links and environmental sustainability.”
She added: “From Peacehaven to Plumpton, Newhaven to Wivelsfield, and Seaford to Chailey, we are delivering real change that local people can see, use and enjoy. We have always been determined to ensure that development delivers positive outcomes for our communities, creating benefits that will be felt both now and for generations to come.”
The funding is expected to improve community wellbeing, expand opportunities for recreation and physical activity, and strengthen local infrastructure throughout the Lewes district.