CIL Funded Projects – East Sussex
Detailed here are a selection of some of the projects based in East Sussex that have been funded through the Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL).
This is not an exhaustive list and as such this page will be updated on a regular basis as new projects are delivered.
For further information on CIL funded projects not listed please contact cil@southdowns.gov.uk.
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- Beachy Head Chaplaincy facilities improvements
£92,500 in CIL funding has been spent on upgrading and improving the facilities at Beachy Head for the combined services of the Police, the Chaplaincy and the Coastguards.
The projects aims were to modernise and expand this critical site for assisting vulnerable persons visiting the Beachy Head area.
The improvements have allowed the services to operate effectively to keep the public safe in an improved and fit for purpose facility.
Alongside the improved aesthetics and functionality of the building, the implementation of modern construction practices, improved mechanical and electrical installations and electric vehicle charging point for partner agency vehicles have all helped to reduce the building’s carbon footprint.
- Bevern Stream Natural Flood Management
- Buzz Active – Access for Paddle Sports users
Buzz Active was awarded £30,000 in CIL funding for improvements to the access to the river for paddle sport users. The works included riverbank repairs and reinforcement, protection of the area from further erosion and providing set places to launch and land from for the betterment of local paddling and water users, including those using Buzz Active outdoor centres.The project was completed in April 2022 and has been received very positively. Visitors can now park adjacent to the launch site, giving ready access to a section of purpose built river bank with steps to allow easy access and egress, without overcrowding on the Buzz Active slipway or causing damage to the bank.
- Ditchling Keymer Road Car Park
Ditchling Parish Council was awarded £70,000 in CIL funding towards their new
car park project. The project provides a 40 space public car park as additional parking for the village to support the local economy. The car park has been completed and was opened on 6th March 2023.An additional £10,000 was subsequently awarded to the project which has been spent on associated works such as drainage, fencing and signage.
- Egrets Way Project
Phase 4
The overall objective of the Egrets Way network is to provide safe, sustainable access to the towns, villages, services and amenities of the Lower Ouse Valley for everyday use and for the purposes of encouraging tourism, the local economy and health and well-being.CIL funding was secured to contribute to the delivery of Phase 4 of the Egrets Way network of shared-use cycle paths in the Lower Ouse Valley between Lewes and Newhaven.
The newly refurbished 950m section boasts a 2.5m width surfaced path suitable for walkers, disabled users and cyclists. New accessible gates, stock proof fencing and signage has also been installed.
Additional CIL funding has been secured for Phase 5 of Egrets Way which is set to commence in 2021.
Phase 5
£113,000 in CIL funding was granted to contribute to the delivery of Phase 5 of the Egrets Way network of shared-use cycle paths in the Lower Ouse Valley.Phase 5 provided a 1.7km non-motorised use path from Piddinghoe to Newhaven.
Phase 6
£131,250 in CIL funding was granted to contribute to the delivery of Phase 6 of the Egrets Way network of shared-use cycle paths in the Lower Ouse Valley.Phase 6 created a new 3.1km shared use path from Lewes to Rodmell.
Learn more about the Egrets Way project here.
Egrets Way – Phase 4 
Egrets Way – Phase 4 Egrets Way Phase 5 – Before and After [PDF]
Egrets Way Phase 6 – Before and After [PDF] - Iford – off road Cycle Way from Iford to Swanborough
The Iford Estate were awarded £26,000 in CIL funds to upgrade and extend the existing footpath between Iford and Swanborough to cycle path standard.
Iford and Swanborough are two closely linked settlements within the parish of Iford, with strong community ties between them. Being relatively isolated, particularly from public transport, residents have been dependant on cars to travel to work and school in Lewes and beyond. The muddy nature of the current footpath makes walking between the two settlements difficult for much of the year, meaning that residents often have to drive between them. The busy C7 road is fast, narrow and increasingly busy, making it dangerous for cyclists and has no pavement to allow walking.
The project has resurfaced the existing footpath (Iford 1b and Iford 2) with the same granite chipping surface that is used on the Egrets Way path. At the junction with Swanborough Drove the path follows the field edge to link with the existing Swanborough to Lewes path. The path follows an attractive and direct route across fields, whilst the final section runs close to the C7, but separated by a hedge.
- Landport Skatepark, Lewes
East Sussex County Council was awarded £50,000 in CIL funding for a new pumptrack and skatepark at Landport, Lewes.
Both projects have increased sports and recreation facilities for young people and families in Landport and Lewes. The new skatepark is attracting skaters from Landport, and Lewes by providing structures that are not available elsewhere. It is big upgrade from the original skatepark that was outdated and not well used. Local people volunteered to help build the skatepark gaining new skills and building confidence, whilst being mentored by a local skate expert with input from a larger skate company.
The pump track has attracted young people, and families to skate, scoot and bike. It has proven to be very popular and gives families and young people in Landport a local green space destination and provides healthy recreational activities.
- Railway Land Wildlife Trust, Lewes
The Railway Land Wildlife Trust site is situated in the heart of Lewes, just off Cliffe High Street and behind the train station. Nestled on the flood plain of the River Ouse, the reserve was once a busy railway marshalling yard that has now been reclaimed by nature. £65,500 of CIL funding has been spent across 6 different projects around the site.
First was a charming signal box which was lovingly restored to its former glory and is now the perfect vantage point for bird-watching. Funding has helped to pay for improvements to the water meadows and hedgerows nearby, to improve biodiversity and improve their effectiveness as flood defences and has paid for the installation of a new dipping platform.
Other projects include upgrades to the footpaths, improvements to the safety at the Mound by the Heart of Reeds area of the reserve, a viewing platform over the Winterbourne Stream and upgrades to the Linklater Pavilion, in the heart of the reserve, including new interpretation boards, which tell visitors the story of the site.
- Regeneration of the Cockshut Chalk stream
- Seven Sisters Country Park
Seven Sisters Country Park was awarded £180,000 in CIL funding to contribute towards the multimillion pound investment for improvements to the visitor facilities at the site, including replacement toilets, a refurbished Visitor Centre and a new grab and go refreshment facility.
Read more here: https://www.sevensisters.org.uk/multimillion-pound-makeover-at-iconic-seven-sisters-is-unveiled/.
- St Thomas a Becket Church – Tower Access Project
St Thomas a Becket Church was awarded £2,500 towards their Tower Access project. The aim was to make safe the 15th Century spiral staircase to Grade II* listed Church to enable public access again.
The project has delivered improved tower access through new lighting, standby lighting, new handrail, stonework repairs, and timber floor repairs. This work has subsequently enabled a team of volunteer winders to wind the clock (dated from 1670) daily and the first-ever guided public tours of the tower to the clock room and belfry are scheduled to begin in June 2023.
- Wallands Primary School SuDs Project
- Beachy Head Chaplaincy facilities improvements
