OPDC Community Review Group for Old Oak and Park Royal
What is the Community Review Group?
Instrumental in the design review, the Community Review Group gives local people an opportunity to have their say about the planning and urban design process. The group ensures that new development considers opportunities to create a better urban environment for the people living and working in the area, both now and in the future.
The group meets to discuss policy and development proposals and to give its views. These discussions are turned into a formal report and feed into decisions made by OPDC and the OPDC Planning Committee. The group’s recommendations are taken seriously, and planning applicants are expected to respond to each one.
Who is in the group?
The group has 12 members, who have been appointed through an application and interview process. They all live locally, and members include people of different ages and backgrounds, reflecting the diverse make up of the Old Oak and Park Royal community.
The group is chaired by Tony Burton, an independent community engagement consultant.
What advice does the group offer?
The members of the group have a diverse range of skills, experience and knowledge about their neighbourhood:
- bring a strong understanding of the local area, the way it works, its history and its residents
- provide positive advice from a community perspective on proposals for development and change
- reflect the needs of existing and new residential and business communities.
Members contribute as individuals and not as representatives of an organisation. They review development proposals for the area, providing advice based on their knowledge of how their neighbourhoods work for people that live, work and visit.
How often does the group meet?
The group meets around every six weeks, as and when needed. The programme also includes development and training sessions, and staff from OPDC and from our Place Review Group can be invited to talk.
How is the group managed?
The group is managed on our behalf by Frame Projects, an established company that manages design review groups in London. They are responsible for recruiting Community Review Group members, arranging meetings and producing reports. Their job is to make sure the group is independent, properly briefed and can communicate what it thinks to OPDC effectively.
Community Review Group members follow the same code of conduct that OPDC planning officers follow. For example, they must keep all information confidential, except for reports that are in the public domain.
How are the group members selected?
Membership is reviewed annually. New members are selected from the wider area through an open recruitment call.
Candidates must either live within one-mile of the OPDC area, or work or study within the OPDC area.
Members are selected based on their motivation to be part of the group and influence the future of the area. We are committed to ensuring that the group reflects the cultural and ethnic diversity of the area and to giving opportunities to those whose voices are not yet represented by existing community groups.
How can I join the group?
Recruitment for new any members will be advertised when positions are available.
What are the benefits of joining the group?
Group members get a unique opportunity to be part of the exciting changes that are coming to Old Oak and Park Royal. They will engage in direct discussion with developers and OPDC officers to help us ensure that new developments are of the highest possible quality and reflect the needs and aspirations of the local community. Training and development sessions are offered to group members to develop skills that will help them in their role.
Does the group replace any statutory consultation and engagement?
The CRG does not replace any statutory consultation and engagement. It complements our commitment to engaging with local community and giving them a voice within the planning process.
Further information
To find out more information, please read the:
Need a document on this page in an accessible format?
If you use assistive technology (such as a screen reader) and need a version of a PDF or other document on this page in a more accessible format, please get in touch via our online form and tell us which format you need.
It will also help us if you tell us which assistive technology you use. We’ll consider your request and get back to you in 5 working days.