About the forum
About The NOW Forum
NOW The Norwich Over The Wensum Neighbourhood Forum, was established in November 2021 and was designated as a neighbourhood planning body for the Norwich Over The Wensum area in April 2022.
Our purpose
This forum’s purpose is to enable those who live and/or work in this area of Norwich to write a plan, setting out what they would like to see built in the area, a role that before the introduction of the Localism Act was something that could only normally be done by the local council.
After being written by the local community, the plan will be examined by the Planning Inspectorate to check it is consistent with national local planning rules and policy. This plan would then be subject to a public referendum, with all those living and working within the area eligible to vote.
Designation
On 6th April 2022, our application to become a designated neighbourhood planning forum was approved by Norwich City Council’s cabinet, which verified that we have met the requirements to be a suitable body to carry out neighbourhood planning.
Governance
The forum has an adopted constitution which can be viewed here. To facilitate the forum’s work, an administrative committee has been set up to carry out the day to day running of the forum, whilst the forum membership has overall oversight through it full meetings.
An Administrative Committee has been set up to support the work of the Norwich Over Wensum Neighbourhood Forum (NOW NF) by providing a secretariat function. The Committee will be responsible for the administration and operation of the Forum. The Administrative Committee was established in November 2021.
Currently, the forum’s administrative committee is planning to hold a series of consultation events and activities within the local community as we seek to form a vision for the area that reflects the needs and wishes of the local community. This is starting with an initial survey of residents, businesses, and other stakeholders which you can find here.
Meeting Minutes
We publish here the minutes of any decision-making General Meetings of the forum, along with any reports presented. These formal meetings only happen a few times a year. Meanwhile, our administrative committee hold more regular meetings.
- Annual general meeting held on 22nd November 2022 (Zoom) - Minutes
- Neighbourhood planning timeline
- Chair's report to the 2022 AGM
- Meeting held on 12th September 2022 (in person, vote online) - Minutes
- Meeting held on 19th February 2022 (Zoom) - Minutes
- Inaugural meeting held on 18th November 2021 (Zoom) - Minutes
More about neighbourhood Planning
Neighbourhood Planning
This guidance, produced by Locality, a charity set up to support communities with neighbourhood planning, explains the neighbourhood planning system introduced by the Localism Act, including key stages and considerations required.
The Localism Act
The Localism Act allows communities to make their own plan for development in their neighbourhood. Visit the website below to see the Government’s guidance on neighbourhood planning under the Localism Act.