News Improvements made at Collis Millennium Green Trust Park thanks to CIL Neighbourhood Funds
Maidstone’s Collis Millennium Green has taken another step forward in becoming an even safer and more welcoming space for the community, thanks to funding from the Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL).
A new solar-powered CCTV camera, notice board, and lectern boards have now been installed, enhancing both security and accessibility for visitors.
The improvements were made possible through CIL ward neighbourhood funding from Maidstone Borough Council, secured with the support of all three High Street Ward Councillors: Cllr Clive English, Cllr Dinesh Khadka, and Cllr Donna Greenan. Cllrs English and Khadka recently visited the park to see the new features in action and celebrate the successful delivery of the project.
Councillor Dinesh Khadka of Maidstone Borough Council said: “It’s fantastic to see the park becoming even safer and more welcoming for everyone. This is a great example of how targeted infrastructure funding can make a real difference to local spaces.”Deputy Leader of Maidstone Borough Council and Cabinet Member for Environmental Services and Enforcement, Councillor Clive English, added: “We’re proud to support improvements that make Collis Millennium Green safer and more accessible. It’s a great example of how councillors and community funding can work together to enhance local spaces.”
The Community Infrastructure Levy is a planning charge introduced under the Planning Act 2008, designed to help local authorities fund infrastructure needed to support new development. Maidstone Borough Council began implementing CIL in October 2018, and it applies to certain types of development across the borough.
CIL funds are divided into:
- 5% for administration,
- 15–25% for Neighbourhood CIL, supporting local projects in areas affected by development,
- 70–80% for Strategic CIL, allocated to borough-wide infrastructure projects.
Projects funded by CIL must support growth and development, and can include improvements to transport, education, recreation, and open spaces, such as the enhancements at Collis Millennium Green.