TOWARDS a NEIGHBOURHOOD FORUM for the CLAPTON AREA.

With the Localism Act comes the possibility for the local community to be responsible for local planning via a "forum" of at least 21 people. What buildings and the public spaces look like as well as a variety of policies can be influenced or determined by the forum, after consultation and public referendum, via a full Neighbourhood Plan or a series of individual supplementary planning documents.

The idea is to make Clapton a centre for the local community and local business, not just for through-traffic.

That means building a diverse and sustainable local economy and improving quality of life where possible by hopefully introducing new policies for housing, like discouraging communal entrances for example. Limiting the subdivision of family homes into one bed flats may be another.

Street furniture, heritage buildings and "character areas" might also be addressed.

However, what policies and areas are worked on is up to you, if you sit on the forum.

It's up to you!

If you live or work locally or have a local business, you can do just that - sit on the forum that is.

Come to the meeting and help finish setting the area and boundary, which was started at the first meeting - the idea to make Clapton Pond the "town centre" and taking in as much of Leabridge and Hackney Downs as you, the local community want it to, possibly including all of Lower Clapton Road and taking in Clapton Square, in the NW corner of Chatham ward.

Planning Aid for London as well as Leabridge & Hackney Downs councillors are attending.