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Published on Friday 21 May 2021

The first round of Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) Neighbourhood Portion Funding is open to bids for residents, businesses and community groups in the Bournemouth and Poole area.

The CIL Neighbourhood Portion Fund is a locally set planning charge on developments intended for reinvestment back into improving local education, transport, health and community facilities.

Open until 5 July 2021, BCP Council is inviting local people to submit bids for projects which will improve, benefit and shape the development of their community for the future. Funding can range from a couple of hundred pounds to over £100,000, in exceptional circumstances. Projects can include:

  • Environmental improvements – such as landscaping and enhancing open spaces
  • Public art
  • Street furniture
  • Equipment for a community group
  • Provision of more facilities for the community
  • Projects that are beneficial to a local ward area
  • Projects that benefit the broader community

Councillor Philip Broadhead, BCP Council Deputy Leader and Portfolio Holder for Strategic Planning, said:

"In recent years the CIL Neighbourhood Portion Fund has helped deliver projects such as the Hamworthy Park Paddling Poole, Spurrier’s Play Park at Upton Country Park and Slades Farm Pavilion in Bournemouth. These are just some examples of what we can help to bring to life through this fund. You now have another chance to have your say and let us know what you want to see in the future.’’

BCP Council operates two schemes in Bournemouth and Poole. Communities can bid for funding contributions collected from development that has taken place in their ward area. A strategic funding pot is also available for areas with low CIL contributions. The full details, guidance and criteria are available online.

Councillor Jane Kelly, BCP Council Lead Member for Engagement, said:

"We want our communities to feel engaged and included in the future development of their neighbourhood, street, road, park or community centre. Therefore, we are delighted to open this latest round of funding and I invite you to begin developing your project bids now.

"To ensure the best chances for success, and to make the most of this opportunity, I encourage you to get involved early and share your ideas with your Ward Councillors first before submitting."

For other areas, including Christchurch, the CIL Neighbourhood Portion will be passed directly to the Parish and Town Councils for redistribution. In Neighbourhood Plan Areas, BCP Council will work directly with the Neighbourhood Forums and the communities they represent to spend their allocated funding.

To find out more and check how much funding is available in each ward, please visit: bcpcouncil.gov.uk/CILneighbourhoodportion

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