Chesterfield Borough Council has opened applications for up to £15,000 of neighbourhood funding through the Community Infrastructure Levy.
The funding can be used by local charities and community groups to support projects across Chesterfield. Funding can be used for one off projects, such as developing a new community hub, or a sustainable project such as community tree planting, but it can also be used to fund maintenance and repairs or to support existing local services. Organisations are able to submit multiple applications for funding.
The Community Infrastructure Levy Neighbourhood Fund is open to projects in non-parished areas of Chesterfield Borough. Neighbourhood funding in parished areas of the Borough is managed separately by Staveley Town Council and Brimington Parish Council for their respective areas.
Councillor Jill Mannion-Brunt, cabinet member for health and wellbeing, said: “The community infrastructure levy is a key source of funding for a variety of projects that support our local communities. We want to fund community led approaches which help address local needs and aspirations and we hope that this money can be used to maximise match funding opportunities from other funding.
“I urge charities and local community or voluntary groups to assess their needs and submit applications as soon as possible. There have been some incredible initiatives from community groups in response to the Covid-19 pandemic and I hope that groups will use this funding to support these projects.”
The funding will be awarded to facilitate projects, services and activities that improve the overall quality of life and wellbeing of residents in Chesterfield Borough, in line with the priorities of the Council Plan: www.chesterfield.gov.uk/media/1030535/council-plan-2019-2023-updated-2020.pdf.
Councillor Terry Gilby, cabinet member for economic development, said: “The Community Infrastructure Levy is a planning charge that is applied to new developments. It allows the council to ensure the developer is committed to the community and also helps ensure that any negative effects created by the new development are limited.”
Applying for funding through this scheme is different depending on how much money each project requires.
For projects that will cost up to £1,000, applicants will need to complete a short application form. The form and further details are available on the council’s website: www.chesterfield.gov.uk/community-infrastructure-levy-funding
The closing date for the first round of applications to this fund is Friday 30 October 2020. If your bid is successful you will be notified within one month of the closing date.
There are further opportunities to apply for this funding, for the details of further funding rounds and closing dates for applications please visit: www.chesterfield.gov.uk/community-infrastructure-levy-funding
Any organisation wishing to apply for funding to the value of £1,000 and £5,000 will need to speak to a variety of local stakeholders and provide more detailed information. More details on the application process are available on our website: www.chesterfield.gov.uk/community-infrastructure-levy-funding
For funding applications valued between £5,000 and £15,000 applicants must submit an expression of interest form and if this is approved to proceed to the next stage a council officer will help guide through the process to submit a formal bid. More details on the application process are available on our website: www.chesterfield.gov.uk/community-infrastructure-levy-funding
The Community Infrastructure Levy is a planning charge that local authorities in England and Wales can require of certain types of new development in their area in order to pay for the infrastructure needed to support development. Community Infrastructure Levy charges are based on the size, type and location of the proposed new development.
For further information on applying for funding from the Community Infrastructure Levy, please contact Wendy Blunt, Health and Wellbeing Officer, wendy.blunt@chesterfield.gov.uk or 01246 959657.