More than £1.4 million will be invested in community projects across Lichfield district after councillors approved funding for a wide range of local facilities, sports clubs and community spaces.
A total of £1,475,534 has been allocated through the Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL), a fund collected from developers and reinvested into local infrastructure to help communities.
The funding will support improvements across the district, including new and upgraded sports facilities, play areas, community venues and vital equipment.
Among the largest allocations is £500,000 for Streethay Parish Council to support the delivery of the Streethay Community Centre, while Chasetown Football Club has been awarded £200,000 towards a changing room project.
Burntwood Rugby Club will receive £105,000 to enhance and maintain its pitches, while Fazeley Town Council has been granted £99,454 to improve the Victory Terrace Play Area.
Other projects to benefit include £80,000 for Burntwood Dragons and Phoenix Football Club to convert disused changing facilities into a seated café area with toilet facilities, and £75,000 for South Staffordshire College to support the development of the Lichfield College Art Gallery.
Lichfield Hockey Club has been awarded £60,000 to resurface its pitch, while £36,000 will go towards constructing a Crown Green bowling green for Lichfield Sports Club and Vale View Crown Green Bowling Club.
Smaller grants include £14,500 for Elford Boys Football Club to create a car park at Elford Sports Field, £3,000 for Wigginton and Hopwas Parish Council to install a defibrillator in Hopwas, and £2,580 for Kings Bromley Bowling Club for path renewal and green reboarding.
In addition, councillors have approved £300,000 in principle for the development of a new pump track at Chasewater, subject to confirmation of the final location and land ownership.
The funding follows a competitive application process, with projects assessed on community need, deliverability and how well they align with local priorities.
Councillor Alex Farrell, cabinet member for housing and local plan at Lichfield District Council, said: “Investing in our communities is one of the most important things we can do to ensure Lichfield District continues to be a great place to live, work and visit.
“These projects will deliver real benefits for residents, creating opportunities for people to be active, supporting community connections, enhancing local facilities and providing spaces that bring people together.
“It’s fantastic to see funding from development being reinvested back into the district to support local priorities and improve quality of life for our communities.”
Funding agreements will now be finalised with successful applicants and projects are expected to begin in the coming months. A further round of funding is expected to open later this year, giving more organisations the opportunity to apply.
