Communities

The Localism Bill places a firm emphasis on the role of communities in shaping their own places and neighbourhoods. This in itself raises interesting and thought provoking questions about what a community is - whether it can be geographically defined, or whether it can have a coherent voice, for instance. However, there are local groups within London which have come together to present particular cases and to represent similar views. There is no doubt that other groupings will be formed, or currently exist with no obvious presence outside their own sphere, who wish to be involved in having a firm influence on their surroundings.

In respect of the direction of the localism agenda, Open City can assist established and emerging communities to understand the process of neighbourhood planning and the tools that they are being provided with to achieve these goals. Through the Councils, and using the networks established though our current programmes, Open City can allow groups to be heard, and support Councils in their dealings with such groups alongside the plan making that they are required to do for their areas by law.

Much of the time, housing and housing quality will be a high priority for communities, as this inevitably has a big impact on places. Communities are likely to want to try to influence this. But increasingly, as the provisions of the Bill become more established, a community's right to build or buy land and services may become increasingly important. Open-City have been looking at these aspects of the Localism Bill and can offer independent support in respect of these new initiatives - more information can be found in our Advocacy & Enabling section.

 

 

 

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