What Goes Up!

St Nicholas. affectionately known by many as “Otham Church”, has long stood as a spiritual and cultural anchor not only for Otham, but also for the communities of Downswood, Bicknor Wood, Madginford and the wider parish family. Mentioned in the Domesday Book, the church has watched nearly a thousand years of local history unfold beneath its spire.

Today, that ancient spire is in need of repair. Rather than allow time and weather to take their toll, the church and Otham Parish Council joined forces to safeguard this landmark for future generations. Together, they have successfully raised the funds required to carry out the essential restoration work.

How was this achieved?

Otham Parish Council receives Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) funding generated from the Bellway Homes development. Recognising the heritage value and community importance of St Nicholas, the church submitted a detailed business case to the council, requesting support for the spire repairs. Councillors considered the application and were pleased to approve it.

The Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) is a planning charge that local authorities in England and Wales may apply to new developments. Introduced by the Planning Act 2008 and enacted through the CIL Regulations 2010, its purpose is straightforward: to help fund the infrastructure needed to support a growing community — from roads and schools to parks, flood defences, and cherished community facilities such as St Nicholas itself.

Last week, the first signs of renewal became visible as scaffolding began to rise around the church tower. It marks the beginning of a careful restoration project that will protect this historic spire and ensure it continues to watch over Otham and its neighbouring communities for centuries to come.