The 2011 Localism Act allows communities to develop and pass ‘Neighbourhood Plans’ – these are legally binding documents that allow the local community to control the development of a particular area. They put a duty on the Local Council to follow the residents wishes when it comes to granting planning permission and can help shape the future of an area. We are very pleased to see that across Thurlow Park local groups are looking to take up these powers and give the local community even more of a chance to shape their area.
The Tulse Hill Forum undertook a local consultation for the Tulse Hill area in February /March 2015, while a joint meeting of the Norwood Action Group and the Norwood Forum last week created a joint steering group – called the Norwood Planning Assembly. In Herne Hill steps are also underway to investigate the development of a neighbourhood plan.
These initiatives are locally driven, and are not being run by Lambeth Council, the Mayor’s office or central government.
Inclusivity must be at the heart of the entire consultation process and the development of any plan, and we will work to help as many people from as many different backgrounds as possible become involved in process.
Thurlow Park has a number of overlapping neighbourhoods – for example, residents in the north may associate themselves with Herne Hill where as residents in the south with West Norwood – we will work very carefully with all forums and local residents to ensure that your street is included in the plan that is best for you.
All of these processes are fully open to the public and people should get involved as this would make a real difference to their local area in years to come. If you want to know more about the development of local plans just contact any of three local forums –
Herne Hill – info@hernehillforum.org.uk
Norwood Forum – chair@norwoodforum.org
Tusle Hill Forum – enquiries@tulsehillforum.org.uk
Thurlow Park News 