A scheme to replace an old pub with housing has left a cash legacy worth almost £100,000 to the surrounding community – and councillors want to hear ideas on how to spend it.
The three ward councillors for Moulsecoomb and Bevendean have called a meeting at the Holy Nativity Church, in Norwich Drive, for 6pm this evening (Monday 14 September) to generate ideas
One of the three Labour councillors, Jacob Taylor, who is also deputy leader of Brighton and Hove City Council, said that the cash boost was “really good news”.
In a Facebook post, he said: “There is £97,243 available for direct investment in Bevendean community facilities. And we want residents to decide how it’s spent.
“Me and my colleagues have been digging through old ‘section 106’ payments which come from developers as a contribution to the local area.
“We found that there was an amount paid nearly 20 years ago, in relation to the Heath Hill Avenue development on the site of the old White Admiral pub (Woodland View).
“Apparently, there were various plans to use it but they all fell through.
“Luckily, this particular contract doesn’t have a time limit – many do – so this money is available to spend now.
“We want this to work differently. This money is for the community, not for the council to spend how it likes. We want residents to help us determine the priorities.”
The council received almost £147,000, with more than £31,000 spent on children’s play facilities and opens space at Farm Green, Bevendean, in 2008-09. Some playground equipment there has since been replaced.
Just over £115,000 was handed over for community use. It was intended for the Becca site although the Becca community centre and youth club closed in 2017 and now houses the Happy Valley pre-school.
About £18,000 was spent some years ago on designs for a community scheme that was abandoned, leaving a balance of £97,000.
Initial ideas, posted in comments on social media, have included a focus on the park and play area around Bevendean Primary School such as new equipment, possibly benches, pathways or other facilities.
Although the council has a budget of more than £1 billion a year, Councillor Taylor said: “I’m very pleased that we’re able to access this money.
“Rooting out pockets of ‘section 106’ money is just one example of the rigour and attention we try to bring to the public finances to ensure that money and assets are used well.
“I suppose it’s the council equivalent of finding a fiver down the back of the sofa!
“Importantly, we want to put this money firmly in residents’ hands and work with people to get the best ideas for the area.”
This is great news for the community. Could the deputy leader support rooting out pockets of section 106 money across the whole city so forgotten cash doesn’t end up being used elsewhere?
So this money has been sitting in an account for over 20 years and has not attracted any interest? Why is that? Someone has really been undercooking the books.