More than £1.5 million raised from homes built in East Hampshire will be put towards infrastructure projects that support local residents.   

On Thursday our Cabinet approved funding for 17 schemes, ranging from extensions to health facilities, improvements to schools and better sports and community facilities. 

As part of the planning process for areas outside the South Downs National Park 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 Angela Glass, EHDC Portfolio Holder for Regulation & Enforcement, said: “New homes built in East Hampshire outside the national park provide money that can be put towards improving the local infrastructure.  

“This year we have allocated money to schemes that will have a really positive impact on the lives of our residents and will help offset the impact that development has on our communities.”  

In Alton, £189,000 is going towards the extension of an NHS Dentist to provide more NHS capacity, and £66,000 towards more space at a nursery to enable an increase in available places, plus other projects.   

Further funding has been put towards plans to extend a doctor’s surgery in Medstead, additional recreation facilities in Grayshott and Bentley, improved community facilities in Liphook and new facilities for a special educational needs school in Kingsley.  

Many of the projects are designed to specifically support children, either at school, nursery or in the community.  

Alongside the money allocated by Cabinet on Thursday, £136,569 of developer contributions (S106 funds) was allocated to Admers Crescent Play Area in Bramshott and Liphook to enhance access and use of the open space.  

Cllr Robert Mocatta, EHDC Portfolio Holder for Regeneration and Prosperity, said: “Funds collected this way can be used to support all kinds of local projects to improve residents’ lives. 

“Community groups, councils and other organisations can apply to use this money to support the infrastructure projects they are planning.  

“East Hampshire is expected to provide housing to match government figures, however, a growing population means more pressure on local facilities and services. 

“Developer contributions help to ensure that new infrastructure is delivered alongside the new homes.” 

Projects funded in 2024

• The 8th Alton Scout Group, refurbishment of the cabin to provide inclusive facilities - £80,000
• First Friends Day Nursery in partnership with Wootey Infant School. Additional Early Years childcare capacity at Wootey Infant School, Alton - £66,780
• Alton Dental, extension - £189,163.50
• Hampshire Cultural Trust, Redevelopment of Allen Gallery and Garden, Alton - £85,000
• Treloar’s Trust in Alton, electric minibus - £10,000
• Hampshire County Council, Anstey Mill Lane - Anstey Road Puffin Crossing, Alton - £170,000
• Alton Tennis Club, padel court plan - £75,000
• Holybourne Cricket Club, artificial wicket - £9,000
• Bentley Archers Cricket and Sports Club, Bentley Recreation Ground regeneration project phase 1 - £34,888
• NHS Hampshire and IOW Integrated Care Board (ICB), extension to Watercress Medical - £234,474.70
• Liphook Church Centre, refurbishment of toilets - £54,315.30
• Liphook Infant School playground drainage project - £30,000
• The Green Room School Kingsley, multi-purpose pod - £75,000
• Grayshott Parish Council, additional recreational facilities at Grayshott Recreation Ground - £126,000
• Selborne Primary School, single storey extension - £100,000
• The Petersfield School, 3G Football Turf Pitch - £100,000
• Rowledge Village Hall CIO, rebuild of village hall on new site £60,000