More than £4 million raised from developers that build homes in the district is being put towards infrastructure projects in East Hampshire.
On Thursday our Cabinet approved funding for 27 schemes up and down the district. They range from safer roads to bigger GP surgeries and from better sports facilities to school improvements.
Cllr Angela Glass, EHDC Portfolio Holder for Regulation & Enforcement, said: “New homes built in East Hampshire provide money that can be put towards improving the local infrastructure.
“This year we have allocated money to a fantastically diverse range of schemes designed to offset the impact that development has on our communities.”
In total more than £2 million has been allocated to projects across Alton, including an upgrade to Alton Community Centre, improvements at the junction of New Odiham Road and Basingstoke Road, a community hub, the redevelopment of the Allen Gallery and an extension to the Edgar Hall.
Further funding has been put towards plans to extend the Boundaries GP surgery in Four Marks to open its services up to more patients.
In Farringdon funding has been put aside for a scheme that will help protect homes and businesses from flooding.
There are also eight projects designed to support children, either at school or nursery or in the community.
Alongside the money allocated by Cabinet on Thursday, three projects in Whitehill & Bordon have also been approved by Cllr Andy Tree, EHDC Deputy Leader and Portfolio Holder for Whitehill & Bordon, including a £178,000 refurbishment of the Forest Community Centre.
As part of the planning process house builders must make financial contributions towards upgrading local infrastructure. These contributions are collected by EHDC and are made available to community groups that have seen development in their area.
Cllr Robert Mocatta, EHDC Portfolio Holder for Regeneration and Prosperity, said: “Local community groups, councils and other organisations can apply to use this money to support the infrastructure projects they are planning.
“New homes and development are an essential part of modern life and vital for any growing and prosperous community. However, a growing population means more pressure on local facilities and services.
“These grants, and others like them, will go towards the infrastructure improvements that should go hand-in-hand with development.”
Projects funded
Total funding to Alton Town - £2,276,912.81
Allen Gallery and Garden, £450,000
New Odiham Road /Basingstoke Road junction improvements, £400,000
Redevelopment of Edgar Hall, £305,000
Alton Community Hub, £153,023.81
Alton Railway Station Active Travel Mobility Hub, £192,650
Creation of Brewery Heritage Trail, £22,000
Electric minibus for Treloars College, £50,000
Nurture Group at Anstey Junior School, £35,483
Alton Community Centre Upgrade, £668,756
Total funding to the North/A31 Corridor outside of Alton £597,548.85
Bentley Railway Station Active Travel Access Improvements, £150,000
Bentworth Primary School landscape plan, £60,000
Extension to Boundaries GP Surgery in Four Marks, £330,000
Outside canopies to provide additional teaching space at Ropley Primary School, £25,000
Wildlife and spiritual garden at Ropley Primary School, £32,548.85
Total funding to the North East £1,277,520.14
Woodlands Hall Play Area and outside space in Headley Down, £221,190.60
Forest Community Centre refurbishment - £178,000
Improve accessibility to Knox's Pond in Deadwater Valley, £98,500
Bank protection works and dog dip at River Wey, Bordon Inclosure, £29,000
Headley playing field pitch improvement, £112,257.97
Headley pavilion project, £411,621.69
Liphook Accessibility and Public Realm, £150,000
The Ark Nursery, £5,430
Green Room School Bushcraft Refurbishment, £14,465.88
Grayshott Sportsfield borehole and water irrigation project, £57,054
Total funding to the Southern Parishes £50,000
Clanfield cricket pavilion, £40,000
Outdoor play area in Horndean, £10,000
Inside the South Downs National Park £221,000
Flood and Water Management Farringdon Flood Alleviation, £130,000
Newman Collard Playing Fields Improvements, Liss, £21,000
Changing Places toilet, Petersfield, £20,000
Petersfield Town Juniors Football Club, changing room facilities, £50,000