We, The Knowle, Dorridge and Bentley Heath Neighbourhood Forum have applied to re-designate the Knowle, Dorridge and Bentley Heath (KDBH) Neighbourhood Forum. The Forum was last designated in October 2020 and as a Neighbourhood Forum designation ceases to have effect after 5 years, the KDBH Neighbourhood Forum have formally applied to the Council to have their designation renewed. For the avoidance of doubt, the Neighbourhood Area does not need to be re-confirmed and the made Knowle, Dorridge and Bentley Heath Neighbourhood Plan remains unaffected.
The Neighbourhood Forum is the ‘qualifying body’ authorised to act for the KDBH Neighbourhood Area and is the organisation responsible for preparing and updating the KDBH Neighbourhood Plan.
Why the Forum needs to be redesignated:
The Knowle, Dorridge and Bentley Heath Neighbourhood Forum was officially designated by Solihull Council in 2015 for a maximum period of 5 years. By law, after each 5 year period the designation automatically expires and to continue operating the Forum must apply for redesignation. We are in the process of applying for our second redesignation. This requirement ensures the Council can periodically review whether the Forum is still representative of the community and meets the criteria for redesignation. The process also checks whether the Forum remains inclusive and representative of the neighbourhood it serves.
Benefits of the Forum:
The Forum is a statutory consultee for planning purposes and must be consulted by Solihull Council on key issues and planning proposals. The Neighbourhood Plan carries statutory weight in planning decisions.
A dedicated Planning Group reviews and submits detailed responses to the Council on all major planning applications in the KDBH Area
The approved Neighbourhood Plan, a legally binding planning document guides what types of development are allowed and influences building design, housing types, green space, traffic and transport, education and community facilities etc.
The adopted Neighbourhood Plan entitles the KDBH community to receive 25% of all Community Infrastructure Levy receipts. This makes a material difference to our community with over £300,000 delivered in the last five years for local infrastructure projects to be undertaken.
Keeping the community updated. In August this year, the Forum published a Decennial Newsletter which showcased the Forum’s achievements over the last 10 years. It also informed local residents and businesses about the huge scale of development proposals currently affecting the KDBH Area.
The application is now subject to a period of public consultation which will close on Friday 31 October 2025.
You can read more, and add any comments at Solihull Council’s website.