Introduction
A Neighbourhood Forum is a community-led organisation that gives local people a powerful voice in shaping the future of their neighbourhood. These forums are recognised by the government and play a crucial role both in planning and development decisions, and in maximising Neighbourhood Community Infrastructure Funding spent on projects that benefit the community within the Forum catchment area.
Why are Neighbourhood Forums Important?
Neighbourhood Forums provide a platform for residents to:
- Influence local planning decisions: Have more of a say in what gets built and where.
- Protect local heritage and character: Preserve the unique features of their neighbourhood.
- Improve local amenities and services: Advocate for better facilities and services.
- Create stronger communities: Bring people together and build a greater sense of belonging.
How do Neighbourhood Forums Work?
Neighbourhood Forums are typically run by volunteers who are passionate about their community. Before they are established, volunteers host meetings to engage with local residents and gather their input on various issues.
Once established, a Neighbourhood Forum can produce a Neighbourhood Plan, a document that sets out a vision for the future of the area. This plan can cover a wide range of topics, such as housing, transport, and environmental protection.
The role of Knowle, Dorridge and Bentley Heath Neighbourhood Forum
At the beginning
The vast majority of the many Neighbourhood Plans created to date have been developed through Town or Parish Councils. Our villages do not have a Parish Council, however. The Knowle Society and DDRA, as residents associations, do a great job lobbying for our interests but do not carry the weight of statutory bodies.
In early 2015, Knowle Society worked closely with the Dorridge & District Residents’ Association (DDRA) to raise awareness of a change in the law giving communities a greater say in future developments in their area. The way to achieve this is by creating a Neighbourhood Forum, with statutory rights. This is a body officially recognised by both Central and Local Government to lead development of a Neighbourhood Plan where no Parish Council exists.
The Forum didn’t replace the existing resident associations, who continue to work closely with us. Instead, the Forum acts as an umbrella organisation, bringing together the different views and needs across Knowle, Dorridge and Bentley Heath for the benefit of all our communities.
As a statutory body representing a large community, the Forum will have greater power to shape and influence development plans, within the constraints of the legislation.
Creating a Neighbourhood Plan
A small team of Neighbourhood Forum volunteers worked with residents, businesses and community groups to set down how we want our villages to develop over the next 10-15 years, consulting with all sections of our community. They produced a draft Neighbourhood Plan that was put to a Referendum, which everyone who lives, works or runs a business in the Area had an opportunity to vote on.
Who makes up Knowle, Dorridge & Bentley Heath Forum?
By law the Forum must include at least 21 members who are representative of the neighbourhood. Anyone who lives, works or runs a business in Knowle, Dorridge or Bentley Heath can become a member.
The Forum comprises volunteers from each of the three geographical communities, businesses and also youth representation. Both resident associations are represented to ensure we have a ‘joined up’ approach, building on each others’ knowledge and experience.
We are very fortunate in having a high level of relevant expertise within the group (e.g. planning, legal, report writing, project management, communications etc), as well as strong community knowledge and awareness.
What’s the Forum’s remit?
When the Forum was first formed, the remit was to create a Neighbourhood Plan that was approved by the community via the Referendum. The Forum leadership’s role ensured that the process of developing the content was well managed, fair and representative, and in line with required legislation.
Our remit now is to be the guardian of the existing Neighbourhood Plan, as well as to be representative voice regarding planning matters of local interest, coordinating local applications for Neighbourhood Community Infrastructure Levy (NCIL) funding and in facilitating community actions. You can find out more about our work in About Us.
How does the Forum relate to Solihull Council Planning?
Your Neighbourhood Forum works with Solihull Council to understand the local and wider regional planning context, and to obtain relevant information that impacts Knowle, Dorridge and Bentley Heath.
Where are the boundaries of the Knowle, Dorridge and Bentley Heath Forum?
The Neighbourhood Forum covers the areas of Knowle, Dorridge and Bentley Heath.
How Can You Get Involved?
If you’re interested in getting involved in your Neighbourhood Forum, you can:
- Come and have a chat: Drop us an email (kdbhforum@gmail.com) and we can meet up for a coffee and a chat
- Volunteer your time: Offer your skills and expertise to help with various tasks.
- Join a working group: Participate in specific projects, such as planning or environmental initiatives.
- Share your ideas: Provide feedback on planning applications and other local issues.
- By participating in a Neighbourhood Forum, you can help shape the future of your community and make a positive impact on the lives of your neighbours.