Pupils at a Ropley school are enjoying quiet classes and peaceful play in a new multi-use garden funded by money from local developments.
Last year Ropley C of E Primary School opened its wildlife and spiritual garden to provide an enchanting new facility for their children and added overhead canopies to provide an outdoor learning area.
Called Norma’s Garden, the space will be used as a reflective space for the children as well as an area to play. The garden is full of benches, which double as games tables, and a covered hut with a small wildflower area.
The canopies will allow small groups, one-to-one reading sessions and whole class outdoor lessons even when the weather is bad.
The funding for the project was drawn from the Community Infrastructure Levy, a scheme that takes financial contributions from local developers and allocates the money to worthwhile community projects.
In total the garden and canopies cost just over £57,500 to complete.
Cllr Angela Glass, EHDC’s Portfolio Holder for Regulation & Enforcement, said: “As our communities grow it is important we also develop the infrastructure needed to support them.
“The Community Infrastructure Levy is the mechanism we use to draw funds from developers and divert that money to local projects that will improve the lives of our local residents.
“The garden and covered areas created by this latest use of CIL funding are a delight and a wonderful benefit for the pupils at Ropley Primary School.”
Could your organisation benefit from the Community Infrastructure Levy?
The Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) is a levy that local authorities can charge on developments in their area. CIL income can be used to fund additional infrastructure required to support new development including roads, schools, green spaces and community facilities.
The application process to apply for the CIL fund will be opening from 29 January through to the 15 March 2024.