At its meeting on 25 September 2025, Epsom & Ewell Borough Council’s Strategy and Resources Committee formally approved the allocation of Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) funding that will support delivery of infrastructure projects across the borough over the next few years. Some projects are fully funded, and others have been awarded partial funding.

Projects that have had funding approved are aimed at helping to strengthen community connections, improve accessibility and safety routes and create a healthier, greener environment for everyone.

Up to £1,371,053 has been allocated to four Strategic CIL funding projects, and a total of £236,800 has been allocated to six Neighbourhood CIL projects following bids by community groups and organisations.

Strategic CIL helps fund larger projects that benefit the whole borough, such as school expansions, transport schemes and upgrades to sporting facilities. Neighbourhood CIL is used for smaller, local projects such as improving road safety, upgrading playgrounds or enhancing community spaces.

Neighbourhood CIL funding

Funding has been approved for the following six projects:

• The Library of Things – a permanent, secure storage shed in the borough to help establish a service where residents can borrow useful household items
• 3^rd Epsom Scouts Community Building – renovations and rebuilding works to provide a modern accessible facility and increase the amount of young people interested in scouting, community groups in the borough can also use at an affordable rate.
• Cattle Arch/Under-Rail Tunnel project - energy-efficient lighting installed in a pedestrian tunnel in Dewsbury Gardens, Worcester Park, improving safety for residents who use it.
• Wheels for Epsom – providing a new and improved bike container for Wheels for All Epsom & Ewell, a cycling programme for children and adults that makes cycling more accessible e.g. for people with disabilities.
• Horton Country Park Path Restoration - continues a ten-year project, started in 2018, to restore and improve the pathways, making them more accessible to visitors.
• Linden Bridge School – Road Safety Outside School Scheme - improves pedestrian accessibility and safety for children and families crossing Grafton Road, as well as aiding traffic flow.

Strategic CIL funding

Funding has been approved for four projects:

• Ash Dieback Essential Safety Works and Treescape Restoration
• ANPR Surrey Police
• B284 Ruxley Lane, West Ewell, Epsom – Road Safety Scheme
• Parks recreation and play areas for young people and families

Councillor Neil Dallen, Chair of the Strategy and Resources Committee, said:

“Our priority is to ensure that every pound of funding delivers real value for our residents. The Community Infrastructure Levy gives us a unique opportunity to invest in projects that will enhance our community today and for generations to come. The wellbeing of our community is at the heart of everything we do, and whether it’s the new sharing initiative to help residents save money or a range of safety and accessibility improvements, we are committed to making a meaningful difference and supporting the needs of everyone who lives here.”

More information about the allocation of the CIL, including the process, can be found here from page 31 - Strategy and Resources Committee papers, 25 September 2025