Join ‘first of its kind’ Community Review Group

23 November 2020

• Five new places are up for grabs to join the group making local voices heard on major planning decisions for one of London’s most important regeneration projects
• The group of 12 local people was established in 2018 by OPDC to have a say on projects, placemaking and planning applications in the area
• Members of the group must live or work in or near to Old Oak and Park Royal. Applications must be submitted by 18 October 2020.
  
  Our flyer has more information about how to apply.

Recruitment starts today for five new members to join the Old Oak and Park Royal Development Corporation’s (OPDC) Community Review Group.

The group is the first of its kind in the UK and plays an active role in ensuring that new developments serve the needs of the community. It was created by OPDC to empower local people to have a say in shaping one of the largest Opportunity Areas in London.

OPDC is looking for people who live or work in the area, of different ages and backgrounds, to reflect the diverse community in Old Oak and Park Royal.

In return for local knowledge, members will gain skills, learn more about their neighbourhood and influence major regeneration by feeding into decisions made by OPDC’s Planning Committee and Board.

OPDC has partnered with Frame Projects to recruit the new members. Frame manages the group on behalf of the corporation to protect the group’s independence and impartiality, allowing freedom for members to give honest feedback.

As well as reviewing planning applications, the group has played a key role in developing OPDC’s Canal Placemaking Study, which sets out a vision for improvements to public space along the Grand Union Canal.

The Community Review Group is just one way that OPDC actively engages the local community. The planning authority proactively engages the public through events, consultations and place-making activities designed to include all people from the area.

Caroline Addington an OPDC Community Review Group member said:

It’s been a privilege to be a member of the Community Review group for the last two years. I’ve welcomed the opportunity to look at plans for developing places that I know well and to ask questions and contribute to the discussions. Not only did I gain insights into the design process, but I also began to view familiar places with a new perspective. I discovered things about my neighbourhood that I hadn’t known before!

Liz Peace, Chair of OPDC said:

Our Community Review Group has an important role to play in the future of the area. When established, the group was the first of its kind, empowering residents to have a seat at the table in making important planning decisions. This is a fantastic opportunity to steer positive change in Old Oak and Park Royal, optimise opportunities for local people and help us create new developments that everyone feels part of.

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Notes to editors

Media enquiries

During office hours: Roz Henville, OPDC’s Communications Team 07871672193 / [email protected]. Out of hours and weekends: Mayor’s press team on 020 7983 4000.

How to apply to be a Community Review Group Member

To apply to become a member of OPDC’s Community Review Group, please go to our webpages to find more information. To request an application form, please contact Frame Projects on [email protected] or 020 3971 6168.

All Community Review Group meetings will take place remotely due to the Covid-19 pandemic, so applicants must have internet access. Applicants must be over 18 years old.

OPDC’s Community Review Group is the first group to be established in the UK. Since it was set up in 2018 other major development projects in London and across the country have used OPDC’s Community Review Group model as a template.

About us

Old Oak and Park Royal is one of London’s largest Opportunity Areas with a new High Speed 2 (HS2) and Elizabeth Line (formerly Crossrail) station now under construction at Old Oak. Redevelopment of the area has the potential to deliver tens of thousands of new homes and jobs.

OPDC is the Mayoral Development Corporation for the district and was established in April 2015 to drive forward future development plans for the wider area. We have full planning powers within the 650-hectare site, which includes land in the boroughs of Hammersmith & Fulham, Ealing and Brent.

About Frame

Frame Projects is a design focused project management consultancy, expert in quality review – helping clients and planning authorities to achieve their aspirations for high quality development. Since it was set up in 2015, Frame Projects has managed quality review panels for several public-sector clients – from nationally important infrastructure projects such as High Speed 2, to major regeneration projects including the 2012 Olympics legacy, London Boroughs, and the creation of new garden towns.

For enquiries to Frame, please contact Deborah Denner, Director Frame Projects, [email protected], 020 3971 6168.