The Council has recognised that Black and Minority
Ethnic groups find it harder to get involved in discussions
about their wider communities. These groups account for 37%
of the population in Southwark and it is estimated that
this will rise to 43% by 2015.
For this reason it is crucial that BME communities and
businesses are involved in the regenration and development
of their local areas.
Just over two years ago we started our BME planning
project, funded by Southwark Council with the aim of
increasing BME involvement in planning including responses
to planning applications and other consultations. So far we
have trained 30 people and attended a number of focus
group.
This has partly been carried out by holding a number of
training events for community groups, small businesses and
individuals. Discussion groups have also been held with
agents who work on behalf of individuals submitting
applications.
We have attended a number of community events/meetings to
publicise our work and generate interest in planning. From
this a number of people have come forward to be
involved.
The ultimate aim of this project is to set up a BME planning network. The network will meet on a quarterly basis to discuss planning issues ranging from commenting on planning applications to submitting comments on planning policy documents.
If you want to be added to the planning network and receive information on future meetings, contact Nadia Sylvester-Paul.