Promotion of the meeting held on 4 October 2021
Paul Nathanail, Steve Austin and Sue Sambells promoted the meeting via Bramcote Today website and social media plus Bramcote NG9 Facebook. Additionally, the Forum wrote to all registered members.
Introduction
Steve Austin, ex officio vice chair in his capacity as Chair of the Bramcote Hills Neighbourhood Association chaired the meeting and introduced Paul, Chair of the former Bramcote Neighbourhood Forum. Paul welcomed the 26 residents who attended the zoom meeting and paid tribute to Martin Plackett, a valued member of the forum, who very sadly passed away on 18 September. Sue Sambells and Councillor Richard MacRae had both attended his funeral and also paid tribute to Martin.
Update re Progress – History
Paul updated on the work of the Bramcote Neighbourhood Forum from its inception in 2016 – 2021. He explained the history of why and how the forum was established, resulting in developing and submitting the forum’s neighbourhood plan towards Broxtowe Borough Council’s Local Plan part 2.
The ward of Bramcote doesn’t have a parish council and, unlike Stapleford and Beeston, isn’t a town. The Neighbourhood Forum was Bramcote residents’ opportunity to form an officially designated body to designate an area and develop a plan Broxtowe Borough Council (BBC) are obliged to take into consideration when formulating their neighbourhood plan.
Bramcote Hills Community Association and Bramcote Conservation Society initially sponsored the forum.
Discussion and decision on whether to go through the steps needed to apply for redesignation by Broxtowe Borough Council.
Paul further explained whilst the area continues, the forum was only to exist for 5 years. Consequently, it needs to be re-designated, hence the meeting.
Paul introduced the maps with particular note the area of the old Bramcote School is for educational/ leisure use. He noted the building area of Bramcote Moor, The Brethren church and Coventry Lane and advised there would be a consultation and referendum on the neighbourhood plan.
Concerns discussed
- The forum discussed the recent proposal from a Stapleford Town Council working group to redesignate Bramcote.
- 11 year history on planning policy and concerns about green belt starting with Field Farm coming out of green belt in 2014.
- Delay caused by BBC – change of officer working on our plan. Original officer hadn’t passed it on to the new officer.
- HS2 highly likely to be delayed
- Next review of aligned core strategy will be due xxxxxxx
- Planning application for new school building and housing
- Fate of Bramcote Park School (now fire damaged)
- Traffic and air quality: new roads and building traffic
What happens to the Plan?
There will be a consultation by the Council and they will present the forum’s plan to the independent examiner. The council needs to refer back to the forum. Paul assured, “This is our most powerful route to our voice carrying weight with the council.”
Paul’s proposal: That BNF is reconstituted. Unanimous (19) Yes (abstention from Graham Heal from Chetwynd forum)
Nominations
Election of a chair: Paul was nominated (Ian Morris) and seconded (Jan)
Election of steering group: Existing group was willing to continue in post Tom Hartman, Andrew Kingdon, Michael Cobbett, Ian Morris, Sue Sambells, Richard Willan and Steve Austin. New members: Helen Squire and Michael Lyons.
Next steps
Paul will write to Broxtowe to inform them that we are applying for redesignation. The council will consult for 6 weeks and then it will be ratified so it maybe 3 months before we are forum reformed. This will last till 2026.
Questions and Comments
- General agreement that the forum needs to attract more engagement and be proactive not reactive.
- Michael Lyons believes social media is the route to go. Need a younger voice. Bramcote NG9 FB has 1100 members. The forum has 347 members.
Bramcote Neighbourhood Forum 