3. CONSULTATION PROCESS

3.1 CRITIQUE OF THE 2015 NDP CONSULTATION PROCESS

3.2 PROPOSED CONSULTATION PROCESS

3.3 YOUTH TEAM

3.4 CONSULTATION HUB

Consultation is a statutory requirement of Neighbourhood Plans and is intended to provide a robust evidence base, necessary in order to form the foundations of the policies set out and ensure it is representative of the needs and wants of the community.

3.1 CRITIQUE OF THE 2015 NDP CONSULTATION PROCESS

Camden Council deemed the 2015 NDP as having the acceptable level of community engagement required to form a plan. Whilst the Neighbourhood Forum held numerous engagement events, consulted with stakeholders from different social groups and leafleted the entire Neighbourhood Area, the findings in Stage 1 revealed that the level of response to the plan was low, resulting in unambitious policies which focused mainly on conservation and design rather than more pressing issues. This made for a plan that failed to engage the community.

3.2 PROPOSED CONSULTATION PROCESS

A new consultation approach is proposed, one which aims to appeal to the different age groups and social groups of FGWH, taking into account their views to form a vision representative of the community. This will result in a plan that has more support and is more likely to realise its vision. Along with the previous consultation methods of monthly meetings, social media and press releases the Neighbourhood Forum will aim to increase community engagement through the appointment of a youth team and the creation of a consultation hub. A Youth Team will be formed to carry out public engagement events with different social groups, bringing a different perspective to the conversation. In particular the team aims to reach out to those aged 18 and under who were not engaged or represented in the 2015 NDP despite them being the future of the area. It is also saving on costs, something which the FGWH need as the funding available is limited.

CASE STUDY: FUTURE BRIXTON YOUTH TEAM

Lambeth Council appointed a group of teenagers to lead public engagement events for the Brixton Liveable Neighbourhood Project (2020). This proved an effective way of engaging with younger members of the community and when lead from the viewpoint of teenagers it brings a new discourse to the public consultation.

The ground floor of the vacant building on 156 West End Lane set to be developed in the Growth Area will become a temporary hub for the Neighbourhood Plan and its community engagement. Its location on the high street increases opportunity for the public to interact more frequently. In addition, the space will double up as an affordable space for community groups which promote social intergration. A meanwhile use for the space would be in the developer’s interest in order to improve public relations, the space would be offered at reduced rent or free.

CASE STUDY: 231 OLD KENT ROAD

231 Old Kent Road was launched by Southwark Council as a dedicated consultation hub where the local community are invited to share ideas and get involved in future plans for the area. In addition the space functions as a community hub and a safe space for teenagers on the upper floors. In providing a multitude of uses for different social groups the spaces becomes a focal point for social integration.

Meeting of the Future Brixton Youth Team. Consultation hub of Southwark Council on Old Kent Road.