The Neighbourhood Planning Network (NPN) is a self-help network of independent voluntary neighbourhood groups who are or want to be more effectively involved in the planning system in Bristol
About the NPN
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What is the purpose of the NPN?
The purpose of the NPN is to increase the confidence and effectiveness of community groups in engaging with the planning system by the exchange of information, skills, expertise and experience.
This, in turn, enables and encourages them to promote increased involvement by the wider public
Who is part of the NPN?
Set up in November 2006, the NPN now has over 45 member groups from neighbourhoods across Bristol with an intention to expand to cover the whole of the area of Bristol.
Membership is free of charge.
How is the NPN organised?
A number of volunteer NPN Administrators
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organise exchange of information through a website, email newsletter and special meetings
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put members in touch with specialist skills and expertise and
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act as a clearing house for views and comment on planning policy in the city.
Who are the Administrators of the NPN?
The Administrators are currently
Alison Bromilow
David Farnsworth
Andy King
Steve Pearce |
Redland & Cotham Amenities Society
Bristol Civic Society
Christmas Steps Arts Quarter
Brislington Community Partnership
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What do the adminstrators do?
Regular meetings are held with Planning Officers in Bristol City Council, at the levels of Strategic Policy including
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Transport Strategy, Area Planning, Development Management and Planning Application issues to monitor and
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to discuss improvements in the Community Involvement processes.
The NPN Administrators coordinate meetings that are open to NPN members.
They arrange bi monthly meetings with Bristol City Council Planning Officers and other meetings as required.
They help with Community Involvement meetings for Transport and other planning issues.
The NPN Administrator also acts as a contact point between Neighbourhood Planning Groups and developers and their agents in Pre-planning Application (“front loaded”) consultation and Community Involvement.
As and when Pre Application enquiries occur, a NPN Administrator creates the contact between developer and community group and, if required, arranges for the community group to have access to professional advice so as to be able to respond to the proposals promptly and in a relevant and valid way.
Who can be an administrator?
The administrators are volunteers from groups in the NPN. The administrators would welcome any additional volunteers to help with the work. Contact networkadministrator@bristolnpn.net to indicate your interest.
At the General Meeting in February 2010, the members confirmed that they would like the members listed above to continue as administrators.
Who is the Chairman of the NPN?
Each group in the NPN speaks independently and the Network does not state a view or an opinion on anything so there is no chairman of the NPN.
The Adminstrators will state their views on and try to improve the Community Involvement process in planning on behalf of the NPN groups.
How can the NPN groups ensure that they speak on issues for their community?
To promote transparency and wider involvement, membership of the NPN requires voluntary groups
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to show that they are open to all residents in their area;
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openly advertise their meetings by for example by email or Newsletter;
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elect representatives by a general meeting at least once each year and
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seek to represent a consensus view.
Is the NPN recognised by the Local Planning Authority, Bristol City Council?
The NPN is recognised by the Local Planning Authority, Bristol City Council, as a primary point of contact in
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the statutory Statement of Community Involvement,
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the Planning Applications Validation Process and in
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Planning Performance Agreements
How can a group join the NPN?
A group can join the NPN by confirming that it can comply with the Terms of Reference.
What are the Terms of Reference for group membership?
Groups joining the NPN must confirm that they comply with these 4 Terms of Reference:
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show that they are open to all residents in their area;
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openly advertise their meetings by for example by email or Newsletter;
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elect representatives by a general meeting at least once each year and
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seek to represent a consensus view.
If groups do not hold an annual meeting to elect representatives they must explain how they ensure that they are representative and open to all.
What other information should a group supply?
Groups should give
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details of the area that they cover, eg by streets that form the boundary, and
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2 contact names with email addresses if available and telephone numbers.
What will happen to this information?
This information will be held by the NPN Administrators and used to ensure that group representatives are made aware of Community Involvement events and planning information.
The contact details will not be given to any other organisation unless the Administrator has been given permission by the contact person.
