The town’s parks, roads and play areas will be boosted by £1.2m in mandatory contributions from developers.

The schemes and works are the first wave of community infrastructure levy (CIL) contributions: a mandatory planning charge to help local councils secure revenue to handle the impact of new property developments.

15 per cent of levy receipts must be spent on projects agreed with the local community.

The plans were approved at Reading Borough Council’s (RBC) policy committee on November 26, after a public consultation on spending the levy was held from July 20-September 14.

This is the first year that RBC has allocated the local contribution element of CIL.

Some of the most popular schemes, including Palmer Park play area improvements, works to improve the Thames cycle paths have not been allocated funding, drawing some criticism.

Councillor Rob White said: “Green Party councillors are disappointed that, despite Palmer Park play area improvements being ranked top by residents who live in the central zone, it is not being allocated any money.

“There is an attempt to justify this by saying lots of money has already been spent in Palmer Park, but it hasn’t been spent on play equipment.

“It’s been spent on a whole load of sport and leisure activities which are very worthwhile but not the same thing.”

He questioned why Avon Place play area improvements were given £65,000 despite being ranked bottom by residents and suggested reallocating some of this funding to Palmer Park play area.

Officers stated that the Palmer Park play area would likely receive some funding from elsewhere and that popular schemes that were not chosen will be considered for funding in 2019-2020.

Over £430,000 of the pot will go towards road safety initiatives across the borough, including £150,000 for enforcement of 20mph speed zones.

The funding is split into central, north, south and west Reading, with the south receiving the bulk of CIL contributions and, therefore, the largest amount of funding (£540,000).

Other funded schemes include enhancement to conservation areas, improvements at Long Barn Lane Recreation Ground, and improvements to the dog fountain in St. Lawrence's Churchyard

Another public consultation will be held in summer 2020 to consider any new schemes for CIL funding.