Babergh and Mid Suffolk District Councils are investing more than £500,000 in community projects aimed at improving local infrastructure, including village halls, sports clubs, play areas, footpaths and bridleways.

The funding comes from the Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL), which is paid by housing developers to support infrastructure development in areas affected by housing growth.

Cabinet members from both councils met this week to approve the latest round of CIL funding allocations. Since May 2018, the councils have allocated around £17.7 million to infrastructure projects across both districts.

In this latest round, Babergh District has been awarded £338,230 for seven projects, while Mid Suffolk will receive £186,861 for five projects. The funding is aimed at fostering social engagement and encouraging active lifestyles within local communities.


Awards included £100,000 for East Bergholt Tennis Club to improve accessibility to its clubhouse and toilets, making the facility more inclusive for all members of the community. A further £100,000 will go to Nayland-with-Wissington Village Hall, where the funds will support a major upgrade to the building’s roof and insulation, ensuring the venue remains a vital hub for local activities.

In Mid Suffolk, £75,000 will be allocated to the rebuild of Little Blakenham Village Hall, enabling the venue to host a wider range of events and activities for residents.

Further awards made in Babergh include:

• £82,405 to the children’s play area at Leavenheath

• £22,475 to upgrade a bridleway in Holbrook

• £17,450 to upgrade footpaths in Great Waldingfield

• £8,625 to support the Tattingstone Village Hall solar energy project

• £7,275 to create an all year round bridleway in Freston

In Mid Suffolk, awards include:

• £35,778 to upgrade the Gipping Valley River Path between Stowmarket and Needham Market

• £35,026 to Blackbourne Community Centre, Elmswell for additional solar PV and onsite battery storage

• £20,949 for a community courtyard and social space at Badwell Ash Village Hall

• £20,107 for the installation of a new sewage system at Battisford and District Cricket Club

Cllr Sallie Davies, cabinet member for heritage, planning and infrastructure at Babergh District Council, said: "The variety in the applications highlights the range of improvements that are being made possible through CIL funding, and the ways that developer contributions can address the needs of local communities and enhance the quality of life for residents across our district."