Ten projects could benefit from more than £1m in funding from next year to improve the green spaces of Greater Norwich.

Schemes being considered include a raft of improvements to Marriott's Way and Riverside Walk, as well as the restoration of the Castle Gardens.

A number of libraries have also been identified for funding to introduce self-service technology outside normal opening hours.

The delivery of the projects will be funded from the Infrastructure Investment Fund – the pooled Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) income.

The levy is a planning charge introduced by the government as a way for local authorities to help deliver extra facilities.

It came into force in 2010, and authorities can seek to charge developers.

Steve Morphew, chairman of the Greater Norwich Growth Board, said: 'This money is crucial because the trouble in the past is that in some areas, when they were developed, no thought was given to the infrastructure.

'That is not happening this time around.

'We are absolutely committed to the idea that while we do want more houses, we must also protect the quality of life for people.'

As well as the 10 projects in the Norwich and Broadland area, costing £1.2m, a further seven have been identified for South Norfolk.

The projects will only go ahead once Norwich, Broadland and South Norfolk Councils have agreed on the proposals.

It will then go to the Greater Norwich Growth Board in October for endorsement, before the schemes are delivered across 2017 and 2018.

Broadland District Council's cabinet will discuss the item on August 30.