Following unanimous approval from East Cambridgeshire District Council’s Finance and Assets Committee, the council has earmarked £750,000 to the potential expansion of St Mary’s Practice in Ely.

The funding allocated to the practice is through Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) receipts which the council has received from housing developments that have taken place in North Ely.

St Mary’s Practice has been working with the district council and the NHS Clinical Commissioning Group to help source the funding for the project and the £750,000 will contribute to the £3.11 million which the practice has estimated the expansion project will cost to deliver.

Councillor Anna Bailey, Leader of East Cambridgeshire District Council, said:

“This is a prime example of Community Infrastructure Levy funding being used to truly benefit the local community, and is exactly the type of project CIL should be used for. This is such a vital expansion for the practice and I am glad that the District Council can do their part to help progress the project.”

Councillor David Brown, Chairman of the Finance and Assets Committee, said:

“I am thrilled to see the committee back this decision with their support and that as a council, we can help make a difference to such a worthwhile project.

“I hope to see the expansion progress as swiftly as possible.”

The £750,000 will specifically contribute to the physical infrastructure of the project.