A Neighbourhood Planning Forum is a specific type of body formed to guide local development planning in certain areas.
Based on the provided reference, a neighbourhood forum is the body that leads on the production of a neighbourhood plan in neighbourhood areas that are not covered (either in part or in whole) by a town or parish council.
Essentially, in parts of England where there isn't a local town or parish council to take the lead on creating a neighbourhood plan, a Neighbourhood Planning Forum steps in. They are the designated group responsible for driving the process of developing a community's vision for its future development and growth.
Key Aspects of Neighbourhood Planning Forums
Here's a breakdown of what this means in practice:
- Purpose: Their primary function is to prepare a neighbourhood plan, which is a powerful planning tool that allows communities to shape development in their local area.
- Location: They are formed specifically for areas without existing town or parish council coverage. These are often found in unparished areas, typically within larger urban environments or district/borough council areas.
- Role: The forum takes on the leadership role for the neighbourhood planning process. This involves:
- Engaging with the local community.
- Gathering evidence and local views.
- Drafting the neighbourhood plan policies.
- Submitting the plan for examination and ultimately, a local referendum.
- Designation: For a group to become a Neighbourhood Planning Forum, it must be formally designated by the relevant local planning authority (e.g., the borough or district council). This designation process involves criteria to ensure the forum is representative of the community it serves.
Why are they needed?
Neighbourhood planning was introduced to give local communities more say over planning decisions. Town and parish councils are automatically eligible to lead this process in their area. However, in areas without such a council structure, a different mechanism is needed to empower residents – this is where the Neighbourhood Planning Forum comes in. They provide the necessary structure and legitimacy to undertake neighbourhood planning activities in these unparished areas.
- Example: Imagine a neighbourhood within a large city that doesn't have a parish council. Residents who want to create a neighbourhood plan to protect local green spaces or influence the design of new buildings would need to form and get a Neighbourhood Planning Forum designated to lead this work.
In summary, the Neighbourhood Planning Forum is the vital community-led organisation that enables neighbourhood planning to happen in areas where traditional local council structures do not exist.
