Published on Wednesday 15 October 2025
More than £1.4million is available to support community projects across Bournemouth and Poole.
Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole (BCP) Council is inviting residents, businesses and community groups to apply for the seventh round of Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) Neighbourhood Portion Funding, which opened on Monday 13 October 2025.
BCP Council is now encouraging residents and community groups to submit bids ahead of the deadline on 15 December 2025.
The latest round follows our record-breaking funding allocation in July, when more than £950,000 was awarded to 60 community projects across Bournemouth and Poole – the largest ever distribution of CIL funding to date. Projects ranged from play area refurbishments and street tree planting to major improvements at Merley Community Centre.
Cllr Millie Earl, Leader of BCP Council, said: “It’s fantastic that funds from new developments can be channelled back into our communities to support meaningful projects – big or small. I’m excited to hear the inspiring ideas you’d like to see brought to life in your local area – whether that’s your street, park, neighbourhood or community space.”
CIL funding comes from a charge that developers pay as part of the planning process. A portion of this is allocated specifically for neighbourhoods, enabling investment in community-driven projects that help manage the effects of new developments. Grants can range from a few hundred pounds to more than £100,000 in exceptional cases. This scheme operates in areas within Bournemouth and Poole wards outside areas with an adopted Neighbourhood Plan. Funds are passed directly to Christchurch town and parish councils for spending.
For the best chance of success, share your ideas with your ward councillors who can support you with the application process.
Projects could 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
Cllr Sandra Moore, Portfolio Holder for Communities and Partnerships, added: “These fantastic initiatives are exactly what the CIL fund was created to support, and it’s inspiring to see the positive impact they are already having in our communities. I’m delighted that we’ve been able to award our largest-ever round of funding to brilliant local projects – and we’re excited to build on this momentum.”
Previously successful projects include enhancements to greenspaces with nearly £75,000 awarded to enhance Ashley Cross Green - including new trees and flower beds, as well as fountain maintenance. Over £40,000 has been allocated to playground equipment in Moordown Recreation Ground Park and Springbourne Gardens play areas. Poole Park’s cricket facilities, meanwhile, will see repairs to the pavilion’s roof and a replacement artificial wicket.
Speaking about the impact of the funding, Nick Williams – Chairman of Poole Town Cricket Club, said: "We're extremely pleased to receive this investment into the facilities at Poole Park.
“The money towards these much-needed repairs at the park will benefit everyone in our club and encourage other community groups to make good use of the pavilion for their own events.”
Applications for Round 7 are open from 13 October 2025, with full guidance and ward funding tables available on the BCP Council website.