From pitch upgrades to park enhancements as seven Bath schemes compete for funds

Bath residents are urged to participate in a public consultation to voice their opinions on seven local projects vying for community funding. The consultation, running until June 5, aims to involve residents in the decision-making process regarding allocating the Neighbourhood Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) for Bath. The selected projects will contribute to the development and improvement of various areas within the city.

The seven proposed projects encompass a range of initiatives to enhance community facilities and spaces. They include upgrading the pitch at Bath City Football Club to a state-of-the-art, FIFA-quality, all-weather pitch and replacing the annexe doors at the Percy Community Centre to improve insulation and security.

Other projects involve refurbishing the sports court at the Percy Community Centre and enhancing Brickfields Park with natural seating areas, new play equipment, and a specialized bucket swing for individuals with learning disabilities. Additionally, improvements are proposed for the Bath Youth for Christ (Southdown) Community Centre, such as refurbishing the kitchen and toilets.

Public realm enhancements in Charlotte Street, such as installing planters and hanging baskets, are also considered. Lastly, efforts to improve the Foxhill Community Centre include equipping it with resources for a youth club, interior refurbishments, and children’s soft play equipment.

The consultation, available for public viewing via presents detailed information on each project. Residents are encouraged to share their opinions and suggestions before the consultation closes at 5 pm on June 5. The CIL fund, which serves as a resource for development initiatives in the area, offers an opportunity to enhance residents’ lives.

Councillor Kevin Guy, Leader, Bath & North East Somerset Liberal Democrat Group, said: “The CIL fund provides opportunities for development in the area that will enhance residents’ lives. To help us decide where the money would best be allocated, we want to hear what’s important to you, so please have your say in the consultation.”

In addition to participating through the official consultation platform, residents can email their views and comments to [email protected].

This marks the fourth occasion in which the Bath CIL Advisory Board has sought residents’ input on allocating Bath Neighbourhood CIL funding. Future rounds of CIL funding for Bath will also undergo public consultation.

The Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) serves as a planning charge introduced by the Planning Act 2008, enabling local authorities in England and Wales to facilitate the provision of infrastructure supporting their area’s development.

Bath receives 15 per cent of the overall Community Infrastructure Levy receipts, specifically designated as the Neighbourhood Portion of CIL for Bath. Since its inception, the Neighbourhood Portion of CIL for Bath has allocated over £1.86 million to 52 projects, enhancing various locations across the city. Residents can refer to the Community Funding Projects Map to explore the projects that have benefited from community funding, illustrating their distribution throughout Bath.