THE expansion of a GP surgery in Andover is among the commitments made by Test Valley Borough Council (TVBC) as it announces plans to grant almost £300k of funding for three local community projects.

At a cabinet meeting on March 30, council chiefs approved awarding £240,000 for an extension to St Mary’s GP surgery on Church Close, to create additional consulting rooms and increase staffing.

READ MORE: Planning chiefs to discuss St Mary's Surgery expansion plans

It also set aside £13,000 to improve the pedestrian route from Viney Avenue to Cupernham School in Romsey, and almost £30,000 for an orchard trail in Valley Park.

The recommendations for funding will go to a future full council meeting for final approval.

The money comes from the Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL), which the council charges on new developments across the borough that meet certain criteria. Those looking to provide new infrastructure, facilities or services can then bid for a share of the levy money.

Local projects can bid for CIL funding between April 1 and June 30 each year.

SEE ALSO: Andover dog walking business secures TVBC grant

Planning portfolio holder, Cllr Phil Bundy, said: “While new development is critical for our local communities, ensuring that we have the right facilities and structures in place to support that growth is just as vital.

“I am very much looking forward to seeing these projects come to fruition and would like to thank all those who submitted an application for funding.”

To check the local CIL criteria, including which developments are liable to pay the levy and which projects are eligible to bid for funding, visit testvalley.gov.uk/cil.

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