If you live in Westminster, your time has come to vote in a referendum on the Fitzrovia West Neighbourhood Plan on 2 September. Everyone registered to vote will be able to say whether they want the plan to influence planning decisions and create an improved environment for all those living in, working in and visiting the area. All businesses in the neighbourhood which pay business rates will also get a vote. The Fitzrovia Centre in Foley Street will be the polling station but you can also apply for a postal vote.
The FitzWest Neighbourhood Forum has been representing your interests since 2014 and has consulted local people at regular public meetings and through its website.
One of the main functions of the Forum is to prepare a neighbourhood plan. This sets out a series of policies explaining how we’d like to see the area develop over the next 20 years. The plan has been based on extensive consultation and we work closely with community groups, statutory bodies and business organisations such as the New West End Company. The draft plan has been approved by an independent Examiner who has agreed it fits with other plans prepared by Westminster City Council and the Mayor of London.
We have had two very positive endorsements:
“It is only through working in partnership we will deliver improved cleaner air and a high quality street environment, with a vibrant mix of business and residential uses enhancing the built form and heritage of the area.‎ We encourage all local businesses to support the Neighbourhood Plan,” says Jace Tyrrell, chief executive, New West End Company.
“Please do have a look at the plan; It’s important to your future. Both businesses and residents have the opportunity to assess it, to vote for it, and to make it happen. If you do, it can make a real difference to what happens, because by law it must be taken into account,” says Griff Rhys Jones, president, Civic Voice.
The final stage is the referendum of residents and businesses which, if the majority vote in favour, the plan becomes an important statutory document which the Council has to take into account when considering planning applications. It also sets out other priorities and opportunities to influence the way budgets are spent to benefit the community and local environment.
Please have a look at the plan on our website (www.fitzwest.org) and support the local community by voting ‘YES’!
Residents should vote in person at the Fitzrovia Centre, 2 Foley Street, on 2 September from 7am to 10pm.
Business voters which have already registered with the Council should also vote at the Fitzrovia Centre on 2 September.
Resident and Business postal votes should be posted by 27 August or can be delivered in person to the polling station on 2nd September before 10pm.
Nick Bailey is secretary of the Fitzrovia West Neighbourhood Forum.
This article was updated on 20 August 2021 and again on 24 August to reflect the latest information on how to cast your vote.