Improving village halls, schools, playgrounds, bus shelters, access paths and libraries are among the goals of a major funding boost from the South Downs National Park Authority.
As 2025 draws to a close, the National Park is announcing 31 projects across Sussex and Hampshire that will receive a share of just under £1.9m. The funds have been raised through the Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL), which is administered by the National Park Authority and paid by developers as a means of supporting new community infrastructure.
In addition to this, 31 parish and town councils across the National Park are sharing a slice of almost £300,000 to spend on grassroots community projects in their own areas.
In Hampshire, a nature play area at Queen Elizabeth Country Park, near Waterlooville, will be renovated thanks to a £50,000 cash injection. Meanwhile, £95,000 will be spent on improving the banks of the Itchen Navigation, as well as a further £59,000 on improving the Cheriton Stream, near Winchester. Funding of £29,000 will help to create a nature-based classroom at Clanfield Junior School.
In West Sussex, £390,000 of CIL funding will be spent on creating the next section of the Centurion Way from West Dean to Cocking along the disused railway line. It’s hoped that the access path for walkers and cyclists will eventually create a continuous route from Chichester and the south coast to link up with the 100-mile South Downs Way. Meanwhile, Fittleworth School will benefit from £150,000 for further environmental improvements to its playground, while Harting Primary School will receive £56,000 for new outdoor learning facilities and play equipment.
In East Sussex, some £100,000 will be spent on improving access routes at Stanmer Park, near Brighton, which is an important gateway to the National Park. A further £80,000 of CIL funding will go towards restoring Falmer Pond, while almost £25,000 will be spent on replacing bird hides at Woods Mill Nature Reserve, near Henfield. Some £65,000 will go towards installing climate-friendly features at School Hill House Doctors’ Surgery in Lewes, while just over £81,000 will be spent on improving and making safer the C7 road from Lewes to Newhaven.
Tim Slaney, Director of Planning at the National Park Authority said: “As we come to the end of 2025 and the National Park’s 15th anniversary, it’s wonderful to be able to share this good news.
“I’m so pleased that we’re able to help such a diverse range of projects, including many that will help young people connect with nature and improve access opportunities so people can enjoy this landscape and all its wellbeing benefits. I’m also pleased to see several village hall renovations – these buildings have been the hub of local communities for generations, but many need refurbishment and I’m glad we’re able to help.
“For several years, the Community Infrastructure Levy has been an important element of our role as planning authority for the National Park and I’m delighted we’ve been able to help so many different projects that might not otherwise receive funding.”
The Authority has now opened the call for projects for the 2025/2026 round of Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) funding. Find out more here: southdowns.gov.uk/community-infrastructure-levy/revision-of-spending-cil/applying-for-cil-funds-for-an-infrastructure-project/
CIL funding is designed to be spent on infrastructure to support growth within the National Park around the priorities of Nature Recovery, Climate Action and A National Park for All and the Authority welcomes potential bids that support these priorities.
