Minutes:
Cllr James introduced this item by explaining that if set up, a ward-based Neighbourhood Forum would offer a framework within which local people could influence council plans in future.
Francis Shaw (Locality) showed a video produced by his organisation giving an overview of the Neighbourhood Forum policy nationally. Francis explained that the benefits of a NF include CIL (Community Infrastructure Levy) monies, raised from developers to compensate for pressure on local communities/services resulting from new development. A Neighbourhood Forum can set the policy on how these monies can be spent. Also Neighbourhood Forums become statutory consultees on any new development. The presentation given by Francis Shaw was circulated in hard copy at the meeting, and is available on the Rushey Green Assembly page of the Lewisham website (www.lewisham.gov.uk/assemblies). Further information is available from Locality at www.locality.org.uk.
Q & A session with Francis Shaw
Q There is a plan saying there is sensitivity to high buildings in Catford. How did the 19 story block get so far towards planning approval?
A Cllr Walsh explained this was a local matter not able to be addressed by Francis who is from a national organisation.
Q Would a Parish Council not be preferable to a Neighbourhood Forum as Parish Council plans are binding?
A Both a Parish Council and a Neighbourhood Forum plan have a statutory basis. The NF plan has exactly the same weight as that of a Parish Council.
Q How far along the process are we at present in Rushey Green?
A This meeting is to find out local people’s views on setting up a NF. No action has been taken yet. Councillors are keen to see one set up.
Q Who leads on this process – the community or the council?
A Cllr Walsh explained he is very committed to seeing this happen. Some community groups have been canvassed and are keen on it. Cllr Walsh would like to see groups from across the ward involved.
Francis explained that the average time taken to set up a Neighbourhood Plan is 18 months.
Q Culverley Green residents association are registered as a consultee for planning, but in practice find that this gives them very little influence. Would a NF give greater control to local people?
A NF can state aspirations. There are a large number of policies set at regional national level that developers have to work with in any case. A NF allows a very “granular” level of influence on an almost street by street basis. However it cannot be contrary to local borough, region (London) or national policy.
Q What is Community Infrastructure Levy?
A This is money the developer has to hand over to the community in order to be allowed to progress the development.
Q From the map shown, it appears some other NF’s overlap with Rushey Green ward.
A Yes – a very small part of Rushey Green ward has been included in another NF. Two NF’s cannot overlap, so those would stay with the other NF.
Q What happens if the person leading on the NF falls ill?
A It would be expected that a Neighbourhood Forum would be well supported due to the clear benefits that accrue to an area, and the fact that 21 people have to sign up to it in order to initiate it.
Q It’s important that a new Neighbourhood Forum has strong leadership and benefits from experience from other groups.
A There’s lots of information and guidance available on the LBL website and Locality to help new NF groups.
Claire Gray, Senior Planning Policy Officer
Cllr Walsh then introduced Claire Gray, Planning Officer who gave a presentation focussing on the local picture relating to NF’s. There are several already in the process of setting up in Lewisham, including Deptford and New Cross, Crofton Park and the Corbett Estate based in Catford South. The presentation was circulated at the meeting and will be available on the LB Lewisham website at www.lewisham.gov.uk/assemblies.
Q and A session with Claire Gray
Q Can the NF planning group have more than 21 people?
A Yes, 21 is the minimum, you are encouraged by the guidance to include as many people as possible.
Q What area would the NF cover?
A It is proposed that it would coincide closely with the ward boundary (except where streets have already been included in other NF’s).