Soho & Handsworth Neighbourhood Forum and Neighbourhood Area Application Consultation - July 2025

Overview

An application has been submitted by community members in Soho and Handsworth for the Council to consider the designation of a Neighbourhood Planning Forum and Neighbourhood Plan area boundary. 

Please note that this is a resubmission following the withdrawal of the initial application by the Pre-steering group to make an amendment to the proposed neighbourhood planning area boundary. 

The application must now be publicised by the Council for 6 weeks in accordance with Neighbourhood Planning Regulations. 

The application includes the amended proposed geographic Neighbourhood Plan boundary, a statement of how community members meet the Regulations to become the relevant body to prepare a Neighbourhood Development Plan, a proposed constitution and details of consultation events held in the area. 

What are Neighbourhood Development Plans? 

A Neighbourhood Plan is a legal planning document, created and led by local communities focused on improving the physical environment of the place where they live and work. Neighbourhood Plans generally focus on land uses and improving local environments (e.g. houses, offices, parks, social, cultural and recreational facilities, green spaces etc). When complete they are used by planning departments to help decide planning applications in the area and can help bring forward regeneration. 

For more information on Neighbourhood Planning and a copy of the application, visit the Council website  

https://www.birmingham.gov.uk/info/20054/local_plan_documents/299/neighbourhood_planning/2

Printed copies of the application are also found at the Council House, Victoria Square, B1 1BB and at Handsworth Library, Soho Road. B21 9DP. 

The 6 week public consultation begins on Tuesday 22nd July and comments must be received by Tuesday 9th September 2025.  

You may send in your comments regarding this application through the online survey at the bottom of this page or you can email us:  

Developmentplanninggroup@birmingham.gov.uk 

Why your views matter

Designation Decision 

Any comments received will be considered in the Council’s decision to designate the Neighbourhood Plan Forum and area boundary. A decision on the designation of a Neighbourhood Plan Forum and area boundary must be made by the Council within 13 weeks of the start of consultation and will be published on the Council website. 

Next steps 

If designated, the Neighbourhood Planning Forum will then start to draft the Neighbourhood Development Plan and will lead formal consultation with the local community. The Neighbourhood Development Plan is subject to an independent examination and a local referendum before it is made. Please see the Council website for more information on Neighbourhood Planning.  

Want to get involved? 

If you wish to get involved in a neighbourhood plan for Soho & Handsworth at any time, please contact the emerging Neighbourhood Plan Forum  sohoandhandsworth@mail.com