Apply to be a designated Neighbourhood Forum
Download the neighbourhood forum application form to apply, and return it to the address at the bottom of the form.
If you have problems accessing the form, please email: [email protected] and we will send you a copy.
The form must contain all of the following information:
- Clearly state if this is a new designation or re-designation
- The name of the neighbourhood area and a map identifying it
- The name of the proposed neighbourhood forum
- In cases where the name of the previous/existing Forum has changed, provide reasons for the change
- Reasons for re-designation (where applicable)
- A copy of the written constitution
- A statement explaining how the neighbourhood forum meets the following conditions:
- It has been established for the express purpose of promoting or improving the social, economic and environmental well-being of an area that consists of or includes the neighbourhood area concerned.
- There are at least 21 members who live in the area, work in the area or are elected members for any part of the area.
- The area is not governed by a parish council.
- The membership is drawn from different places in the neighbourhood area concerned and different sections of the community in the area.
- Contact details for at least one member (which will be made public)
- A list of members within the proposed Neighbourhood Forum, with full name, address and type of interest in the area (not for publishing)
What happens next
We will publish valid applications online and by other methods as soon as possible to ensure they are brought to the attention of people who live, work, or do business in designated areas.
We are required to publish valid applications for at least six weeks to allow representations to be made. After this, we’ll decide whether to designate your neighbourhood forum.
Factors affecting decision:
- how widely the membership is drawn (including different places and different sections of the community)
- how the purpose of the group generally reflects the character of the area
- only one neighbourhood forum can be designated for each area, and a designation lasts for five years
The decision will be published online and by other methods to ensure that the application is brought to the attention of people who live, work or carry on business in designated area. Once a neighbourhood forum is designated no other organisation or body may be designated for that neighbourhood area until that designation expires or is withdrawn.
