26/08/2025
🌳 Update: Shotley Play Areas Project
We wanted to provide residents with a further update on the plans for the two play areas in Shotley, one at Lloyd Road and one at Kingsland.
As many of you will know, the Parish Council recently submitted a Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) capital funding application for £100,000 to Babergh District Council, along with a separate application to Sport England for an additional £10,000. The Parish Council will fund the remaining balance needed to deliver both sites.
However, before any works can begin, a number of important formal steps are required, and we want to be transparent about the process involved so you understand why things take time.
To make our CIL bid valid and eligible for consideration, we must now provide Babergh with a large number of supporting documents and assurances, including:
✅ A full business plan outlining the purpose, need, and long-term sustainability of the project
✅ Copies of freehold and leasehold agreements for both play area sites
✅ Site plans and a site visit to be arranged with Babergh officers
✅ Details of exactly what play equipment will go where, and evidence that we’ve consulted with Public Realm and Environmental Health teams
✅ At least three supplier quotes, with a clear breakdown of which equipment will be installed on which site
✅ Confirmation from Planning that planning permission is or is not required- we have to go through due process so this can be ascertained by officers
✅ A fully costed breakdown of eligible and non-eligible project expenses, with all funding sources secured
✅ Assurance that no work will start until approval is granted, as CIL cannot be used for retrospective costs
✅ A plan for future maintenance costs
Work is underway for most of the requirements listed, but once all this is submitted and reviewed, the bid will still need to go through a consultation meeting with district and county councillors, and if deemed valid, the final decision will be made by Babergh Cabinet.
Please note that the Parish Council does not meet in August, as this is when councillors and officers typically take annual leave. The same applies to Babergh District Council, so progress during August has been limited, although we continue working on background tasks where possible.
We’re doing everything we can to keep the project moving and remain confident that the play areas will be delivered within the estimated time. We are also refining quotes and finalising draft plans for a village-wide presentation, so the community can see and comment on the designs to allow for any final adjustments.
We know this has been a long time coming, and we share your eagerness to see these revitalised spaces open, but we’re committed to getting it right and ensuring all proper procedures are followed.
Thank you for your patience and continued support. If you have any questions about the process, please don’t hesitate to contact the Parish Council.
