About West Byfleet Neighbourhood Forum

In November 2011, the Localism Act introduced new rights and powers to allow local communities to shape new development in their particular area by developing neighbourhood plans – known legally as ‘neighbourhood development plans’. Neighbourhood planning legislation came into effect in April 2012.

In an important change to the planning system, communities can use neighbourhood planning ‘to permit’ the development they want to see – in full or in outline – without the need for planning applications – to be known as ‘Neighbourhood Development Orders’.

Local councils will continue to produce plans that will set the strategic context within which ‘neighbourhood development plans’ will sit.

An informative government portal can be found here.

The means to achieve the new rights and powers for each community will be through the formation of a ‘Neighbourhood Forum’ which will cover a designated area and present the aspirations of those who live or work in the ‘area

The purpose of the West Byfleet Neighbourhood Forum (WBNF) is to further the social, economic and environmental well-being of the West Byfleet area. The forum encompasses everyone, residents and businesses. We welcome comments from all.

You can view our constitution here.