Dear Member,
As we move towards high summer and beyond I would like to keep my promise of frequent communication with you all on the activities of the Steering Group of the Forum. Most of you are aware that the Steering Group was reconstituted in January 2018 and thereafter embarked on a major quantitative survey consultation on the needs and attitudes of all who live or work in the Belgravia Forum area. A well-received open meeting last November enabled the findings and outcomes of this study to be endorsed as the basis for the Forum’s Plan for the next 15 years plus.
To support communication with members and to encourage others to join the BNF, an updated website has been launched recently which will considerably widen the dissemination of information about the Forum to its members and other interested parties. We will be posting updates on our activities and progress as they occur.
Having determined the key themes from the consultation in 2018, the past six months has included a number of activities to help shape and crystallise our ideas:
- Recognising the need for additional consultation with business interests, two focus group meetings, comprising representatives of local business and community institutions, were held in March.
- A number of fact collection studies have been carried out in support of the plan themes and others are ongoing.
- From the results of all these studies and consultations – and discussions within the Steering Group – we have determined a number of possible planning policies and area management activities which, when taken together, will contribute to the achievement of the neighbourhood outcomes most desired by local residents and businesses. These are being informally sense-checked with interested local parties over the summer.
- In parallel with these activities, discussions are being held with Grosvenor, Amenity Societies, Councillors from the three wards covered by our area (Knightsbridge & Belgravia, Warwick and Churchill) and neighbouring forums to obtain advice to support the work of the Forum.
We have one key step to be taken by the beginning of October this year. The designation of our Forum by Westminster City Council in 2014 was for a period of five years which expires on the 8th October. We are therefore now submitting an application for the re-designation of our Forum for a further five years. Once we have received this re-designation we will press on with the work leading towards a more detailed Draft Outline Plan, on which we will wish to consult with you all.
Naturally, we welcome any contributions you may have in the meantime that can help us to put together the Plan of what Belgravia should look like in 15 years’ time.
Three last points: Your Forum needs YOU!
- As the shape of this Plan evolves, there will be a need to undertake detailed “justification” research to support the objectives and proposed policies of the Plan. If you feel you could help us with these key tasks, please do let me know.
- If you are not a member of the Forum (and live or work within the area), please do join at no cost (details are on the website). Please remember the strength of our membership is a vital demonstration of support that our Plan will need to secure its adoption.
- Yes, a final point, we do need funds! There are public sector funds available for such work but all similar forums say there is never enough and their activities need to be supported by local donations. Please consider giving us a small contribution. If you have ideas as to how we can raise some money please do let me know.
Please do enjoy your summer wherever you are.
Dennis Wheatland
Chairman
Belgravia Neighbourhood Forum
2nd July 2019