The Fitzrovia West Neighbourhood Forum has been formally recognised by Westminster City Council for planning under the Localism Act and will hold its inaugural forum this month.
“The diversity of people and activities in this area is in danger of irrevocable change,” say the forum. “We have seen recent planning applications that take no account of residents or local business. Even where locals and applicants have met and agreed good solutions, the planning officers seem reluctant to include them in their decision. This is because they are tied by policy.”
The Fitzrovia West Neighbourhood Forum will be able to create a neighbourhood plan which would become a binding local planning brief which developers would have to adhere to in the Fitzrovia West neighbourhood area. The plan would help keep the small shops and businesses, plus the mix of housing that ordinary people can afford, say the forum.
The current steering group now want to form a wider group of people to bring the Neighbourhood Plan into being. The meeting will elect a new executive committee to manage the process on behalf of the Forum, and is encouraging new members to join.
“If you want Westminster City Council to make improvements to our streets and green-spaces, get involved in shaping local policy now. The Forum brings with it access to Community Infrastructure monies, so we can fund real improvements in the area,” they say.
FitzWest Inaugural Forum, 6.30pm – 8.30pm Tuesday 14 April 2015, Pavilion Room, University of Westminster, 115 New Cavendish Street, London W1W 6UW. There will be refreshments.