Sport facilities and hall improvements thanks to North Devon developers' money

Community facilities in Barnstaple, Bickington and Witheridge will be boosted by a total of £310,000 of public open space funding from North Devon Council.

The council's Strategy and Resources committee approved the release of Section 106 funds (paid by developers as part of the planning process) at its meeting on Monday (July 7).

Fremington Parish Council will receive £240,000 to extend the changing room pavilion at Tews Lane Playing Fields. The extension will provide equipment storage and a kitchenette to support the sports field's groups.

The money comes from contributions by the Glenwood Farm, Oakwell Residential Home and Mead Park developments.

Witheridge Parish Hall will receive £58,911 toward the cost of purchasing and installing cladding and insulation to improve the energy efficiency of the building.

The allocation is funded from contributions from developments on land off Butts Close and Broomhouse Park.

Above: The Parish Hall at Witheridge will receive a grant for installing cladding and insulation. Credit: Lewis Clarke

A further £11,078 will be used in Barnstaple, to install a permanent ball rebound fence at Tarka Leisure Centre's grass football pitch. The 40 metre fence will provide protection for members of the public and buildings from footballs.

The project, costing £18,250, will be further funded by a previous allocation from the council's Strategy and Resources committee in July 2022 for improvements to the grass pitch.

The allocation is funded by contributions from the Larkbear development.

READ MORE: Grant awarded for Newton Tracey Cricket Club pavilion refurbishment

Councillor David Clayton, leader of North Devon Council, said: “It's very pleasing to see public open space funding being put to good use to improve community facilities and bring even more benefits to those who use them. I look forward to seeing them take shape in the near future."

Under Section 106 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990, contributions can be sought from developers towards the costs of providing extra community and social infrastructure as a result of the impact of new development in the area.

These can only be used for certain things, and are used primarily for public open space projects.

More information about S106 funding, including how communities can put forward projects, can be found on the council’s online S106 public open space funding page at https://www.northdevon.gov.uk/leisure-and-lifestyle/community-grants-and-support/s106-public-open-space-funding

READ MORE: Council secures major funding for community infrastructure