A total of 14 projects aiming to boost greener living around Cornwall have been given funding from a new Cornwall Council scheme.

Back in the summer the Council launched the Community Infrastructure Levy Fund, with the aim of handing out grants to projects that supported low-carbon infrastructure.

Now, after a vigorous and competitive application and selection process, the successful projects can be announced.

Tim Dwelly, Cornwall Council Portfolio Holder for Culture, Economy and Planning, said: “When we launched the CIL Fund we wanted to make sure that money went to projects that were based on a low-carbon way of thinking to give their communities a greener future.

“It was incredibly tough to make the decisions, but we believe that the projects we have backed are deliverable and will really enhance the communities in which they are based.

“This fund personifies our commitment to tackling climate change and helping Cornwall work towards becoming carbon neutral by 2030.

“The projects that we have selected show the sort of community action that has not only helped us through the pandemic but will ensure greener, brighter, futures for us all.

“Congratulations to all those who have been successful and we look forward to seeing the results.”

Since January 2019 the Council has been charging developers the Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) to reduce any potential adverse effects resulting from new housing and other building projects.

CIL payments are set aside to be spent on infrastructure projects to benefit communities and support development. Between 15 to 25 per cent of the levy goes to the town or parish council where the development has taken place.

Last summer the Council made a further £500,000 available to not-for-profit organisations and community groups, including local councils, who could bid for funds to pay for infrastructure projects that encourage greener and healthier lifestyles.

Now the process has been completed, the actual total support provided by the CIL Fund could rise to £622,939, depending on whether some projects secure match-funding from elsewhere.

Applicants needed to show how there was local need and community support for their project, as well as how it will enable lower carbon living as part of the Council’s ambitions for Cornwall to become carbon-neutral by 2030.

The successful projects are: 

• The 2 Minute Foundation: £32,576 to convert an old beach office and toilets at Bude into an education centre with a community hub and office space 

• Falmouth Town Council: £43,276 to install a boardwalk to bridge the gap between other components of the Falmouth Green Corridor 

• Chyan Community Trust: £25,000 for a pathway, play trail, signage, multi-use workshop floor area in Mabe 

• Urban Biodiversity CIC - Newquay Community Orchard: £65,000 to improve access routes through the orchard and to carry out final landscaping works, including the planting of over 700 new trees by the community. 

• Our Only World: £67,500 to manufacture and place water bottle refill stations across Cornwall 

• Walker Lines Gymnasium Trust, Bodmin: £53,345 to install 104 solar panels, which will cover more than 50 per cent of the trust’s electricity needs 

• South Kerrier Alliance CIC: £32,645 to create a fully accessible walking and cycling route between Porthleven and the existing routes within the Penrose Estate 

• Launceston Community Development Trust: £35,000 for the planting and landscaping of a community orchard, creating a connected hub with community buildings, several connected paths and crossings, and provide the site with a drainage scheme to reduce flood risk. The project also includes maintenance and protection of present trees, newly planted trees, and hedgerows 

• Troon Association Football Club: £30,000 for the refurbishment and extension of changing rooms and club house facilities for the club and wider community 

• Budehaven Community School: £45,702 for a sustainable temporary structure with surrounding wildlife garden to provide accommodation for pupils at risk of exclusion 

• Dobwalls and Trewidland Parish Council: £30,000 to create a community nature space and for recreational activities 

• Co Cars Ltd: £62,500 to launch a scheme with 18 e-bikes for hire, by the hour, available from charging points at Chy Trevail, town centre and at least four other locations around Bodmin 

• Co Cars Ltd: £58,000 to create an infrastructure of 2 electric cars with EV charging plus 2 public charging points in Bude 

• Stithians Energy Group: £42,395 for the installation of solar panels and a storage battery at the Stithians Centre