Neighbourhood Forums are established under powers given in the Localism Act(2011), and enable communities to influence development of their areas through Neighbourhood Plans, Development Orders, and Community Right to Buy Orders. Islington offers a useful short guide.
A Neighbourhood Forum can be proposed by a group of 21+ individuals, and must meet the conditions of becoming a Neighbourhood Planning Forum. It must have the express purpose of promoting or improving the social, economic or environmental well-being of an area, have a membership of more than 21 persons, a written constitution and be actively open to individuals who live or work in the area.
A Neighbourhood Forum has to be approved by the Council. Once established a Forum can prepare a Neighbourhood Plan or Neighbourhood Development Order.
There are currently no neighbourhood forums in the City.
Community plans(previously known as ward improvement plans) outline proposals for improvement projects across the 17 wards in Islington. Community plans are funded mainly using developer contributions, which are secured through planning agreements. Councillors select projects to fund depending on the availability of funds.
A community group can seek to become a designated neighbourhood forum that can prepare a neighbourhood plan setting out a vision and planning policies for a neighbourhood area. There are no neighbourhood forums or neighbourhood plans in the City. Groups interested in establishing a neighbourhood forum should contact the Local Plans Team in order to discuss their intentions and practical details.
Neighbourhood plans