Initiative to enhance green spaces across the Harborough district launched

Harborough District Council has launched a new, proactive initiative - funded by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) - to identify public open spaces that could be enhanced for local residents with ‘community masterplans.’

The council’s planned and coordinated approach will involve engagement with community representatives, local councillors and parish/town councils in several locations which have had proposals put forward by developers for considerable housing growth in the future.

The goal is to develop a range of well-researched, community-supported projects that will improve residents’ quality of life and provide communities with valuable new recreational areas. 
 
A figure of £80,000 of UKSPF funding has been allocated by the council to develop these local community masterplans. 
 
Cllr Knowles, Leader of Harborough District Council said: “It is vital that we recognise the importance of providing good quality green spaces for our residents. Following these initial discussions, the next steps will involve evaluating the potential sites identified in each community. This stage will be followed by feasibility studies and wider public consultation where appropriate, ensuring a transparent process for each potential project.

“Our commitment to the community is well documented and well evidenced and this is the latest initiative. Rather than just making these decisions in the Cabinet we took the decision to involve the parish councils and district councillors. Almost without exception the response has been warm, welcoming and positive. Once we have developed this work a little we will, as stated, swiftly look to involve the public.”
 
This initiative is funded by the UK government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, which invests in communities and place, local business, and people and skills. 
 
For more information, visit: www.gov.uk/government/publications/uk-shared-prosperity-fund-prospectus