There is no shortage of opinion in Bramcote.
Whenever a planning application affects our Green Belt, local services, roads or green spaces, social media quickly fills with comments. Some people support development, some oppose it, and many sit somewhere in the middle. What almost everyone has in common is that they care about what happens to Bramcote.
The problem is that social media comments rarely become part of the formal decision-making process.
Councils and government bodies are required to consider formal consultation responses. They are not required to consider what is written in Facebook comment threads. Recent changes to the planning system mean that more planning decisions are likely to be taken by planning officers rather than being debated by councillors at Planning Committee. Residents will still be able to comment on planning applications and consultations, but it is increasingly important that those comments are well-informed, relevant and clearly presented.
That is where the Bramcote Neighbourhood Forum (BNF) can help.
BNF brings together local residents to understand complex planning issues, discuss the implications for Bramcote, and prepare responses that focus on the planning matters that decision-makers are legally required to consider. We may not all agree on every issue, but we can work together to ensure Bramcote’s voice is heard.
Meeting on Monday 19 October
We are holding an online meeting on Monday 19 October at 8pm to discuss Broxtowe Borough Council’s current consultation about changes to the national planning rules and agree the wording of BNF’s submission. We will email Zoom details to all members nearer the time.
This is not a meeting for planning experts. It is for local residents who care about Bramcote’s future.
Whether your concerns are about Green Belt land, traffic congestion, infrastructure, local services, the environment, wildlife habitats or the character of our community, your views are welcome.
If you have ever posted “nothing ever changes” or “the council doesn’t listen”, this is the opportunity to help shape a formal response that will become part of the consultation process.
Why Join BNF?
By joining the Forum you can:
- Receive updates on important planning and local government issues affecting Bramcote.
- Help shape consultation responses.
- Take part in discussions about proposals that affect our community.
- Work with other residents to ensure local views are properly represented.
- Support the long-term vision for Bramcote and its future.
Membership is free and open to Bramcote residents, aged 18 and over.
If you care about what happens to Bramcote, please join our forum and add your voice to the conversation.
Remember, a Facebook comment may get a few likes but a well-argued consultation response can influence a decision.
