Cabinet approves £3.5 million investment in local projects

New homes fund new infrastructure in East Hampshire

Last night, the council’s Cabinet approved financial support for 28 fantastic schemes that will improve the lives of tens of thousands of local residents.

The list includes extending doctors’ surgeries and dental practices, brand new playgrounds and sports pitches, facilities for local schools, support for families in need, renovations for village halls and help for pre-schoolers and pensioners.

The money is drawn from housebuilding taking place in parts of East Hampshire outside the South Downs National Park and is used to mitigate the impact of development on local communities.

“Delivering new homes is an important duty and a Government priority that we must meet, but more homes means a greater demand on public services and local amenities. That’s why it is so important to use these developer contributions to improve infrastructure.

“It’s important to allocate these funds from existing developments rather than leave the developer’s contributions unspent on the council balance sheet.”

Cllr Angela Glass, EHDC Portfolio Holder for Regulation and Enforcement, said: “Development brings opportunities to enhance the facilities and services that residents rely on, helping to ensure our communities remain vibrant, well-connected and well-served.

“It’s great to see these contributions being put to work on projects that will make a real difference to people’s daily lives. Whether improving educational provision, supporting healthcare services or enhancing community facilities, this funding ensures that growth delivers tangible benefits for both current and future residents.”

Cllr Andy Tree, EHDC Deputy Leader, is Portfolio Holder for Whitehill Bordon Area, and manages developer contributions for that area. He said: “I am delighted as always to have agreed the successful Whitehill, Bordon and Lindford applications and look forward to seeing these developer contributions benefit our local community.

“Health is a number one priority and so the funding the extend Pinehill Surgery will be of great benefit to residents.”

The community projects sharing £3.5 million

• Whitehill Town Council – £75,566.40 for a new multi-use games area at Mill Chase Recreational Ground
• Clanfield Junior School – £44,784 for the Big Play Project
• Pinehill Surgey – £220,350.26 to extend the surgery
• Bentley C of E Primary School – £22,500 for an early years foundation stage canopy
• Wield Village Hall – £20,000 to refurbish the village hall roof
• Rowledge C of E Primary School, Binsted – £166,912 for a new community hub
• The Ark Preschool, Bramshott & Liphook – £10,000 to extend the playground
• Ropley Cricket Club – £25,000 for replacement cricket nets
• Grayshott and Hindhead Institute Village Hall – £20,000 for a heating system refurbishment
• St John’s Church, Rowlands Castle – £41,798.79 to refurbish kitchen facilities
• Dementia Friendly Alton – £53,525 for a minibus service
• The Holme Church of England Primary School, Headley – £64,000 for on-site nursery
• Whitehill Town Council – £85,510.88 for a replacement boardwalk in Bordon Inclosure
• Grayshott C of E Primary School – £9,900 for an outdoor theatre and classroom
• Bushy Leaze Children & Family Centre – £90,000 to extend services
• Amery Hill School – £362,625 to resurfacing all-weather pitch and floodlights
• Ropley C of E Primary School – £55,500 for a SenCo area
• Alton Dental – £175,000 to provide additional practice rooms
• Ropley C of E Primary School – £100,000 to expand the swimming pool and enable community use
• Alton Town Council – £375,000 for a 3G pitch at Anstey Park
• EHDC – £500,000 for an indoor aquatic adventure zone at Whitehill & Bordon Leisure Centre
• Alton Tennis Club – £312,856 for an indoor tennis canopy
• Horndean Technology College – £312,000 for updated community changing rooms and accessible toilets
• Oakmoor School, Whitehill – £157,000 for outdoor communal seating
• New Blendworth Centre, Horndean – £200,000 to rebuild and modernise the centre
• St Mary’s Bentworth School – £35,835.49 for a community garden and walking track
• Hidden Valley, Grayshott – £25,000 for an outdoor classroom

The total amount allocated = £3,572,663.82!