Funding boost for communities across the South Downs National Park

The South Downs National Park Authority has announced a £1.5 million investment into communities.

New walking routes for families and people with disabilities, cycle hubs, play facilities, and a refurbished pavilion are among the projects to benefit from a major funding boost from the South Downs National Park Authority.

More than £1.37m will benefit almost 30 community schemes across Hampshire, West Sussex and East Sussex.

The investment comes from the Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL), which is administered by the Authority and paid by developers to support new local infrastructure.

As well as the £1.37m, 22 parish or town councils across the National Park will be taking a share of just over £256,000 to support grassroots projects in their area.

Among the inspiring projects will be a mix of initiatives to help better connect urban areas to the countryside. In West Sussex, funding will help to create the first phase of a shared-use traffic-free path connecting the south of Midhurst to the town centre.

The people of Fernhurst will also benefit from a modernised and expanded sports pavilion, while new play equipment will be installed at Lavant and Liss.

The full list of projects for West Sussex are: 

Pavilion 2022, Fernhurst – to modernise and expand the sports pavilion to serve Fernhurst. £200,000.

Midhurst – to help West Sussex County Council fund the first section of Midhurst Greenway initiative, creating a new crossing on the A286 and a shared-use, widened route for cyclists and walkers along Jubilee Path, part of a long-term vision for a traffic-free route from south Midhurst connecting with the town centre and Easebourne.

Midhurst Common – access improvement and nature recovery works to create new walking and cycling routes along the old Petersfield to Midhurst railway line. £61,000

Lavant – replace or refurbish equipment at children’s playground. £50,000

Amberley – creation of a new community car park at School Road. £35,000.

Funtington – refurbishing village hall. £30,000.

Petworth – improvements to Leconfield Hall. £20,000.

Levin Down, near Singleton – access improvement works and new walking routes. £16,400.

Bury School – refurbishing toilets. £15,000.

Stedham and Iping Recreation Ground – replacing or refurbishing play equipment. £12,525.

Fittleworth – heathland restoration at Hesworth Common. £9,000.

Fittleworth – tree planting at Birchwalk Woods. £1,500.

Tim Slaney, Director of Planning at the South Downs National Park Authority, said: “As 2021 draws to a close, we’re delighted to announce this significant funding of over £1.5m to help local communities across the region.

“Having access to green spaces has never been more important and a large proportion of this funding will help people walk or cycle right into the heart of some of the South East’s most beautiful countryside.

“It’s wonderful to see such a varied range of projects, whether it be a village play area, new walking trails, tree planting or a new drama facility for a school, benefitting local communities and visitors.

“This substantial funding underlines the tremendous value of good planning and showcases the benefits that flow from high-quality development in a protected landscape such as the South Downs.”