The Jewellery Quarter Development Trust (JQDT) is looking for passionate residents and business owners to be part of an exciting opportunity to shape the future of the Jewellery Quarter. The Trust is working to devise a Neighbourhood Plan under the Localism Act, which gives communities more rights and powers to set the rules for planning and development in their area. It means that current rules can be reviewed, new rules can be created and the future of an area can be shaped by those who live and work there. Using neighbourhood development orders, a Neighbourhood Plan can progress developments without the need for planning applications. The JQDT, which was established in May 2011, carries out a range of activities for the benefit of all who live, work, learn within, invest in and visit the area. It also runs the Jewellery Quarter Business Improvement District (JQ BID), which was established in May 2012. [caption id="attachment_5612" align="aligncenter" width="384"] JQ BID executive team: (l-r) Luke Crane, Mike Mounfield, Claire J. Smith and Phil Burlace[/caption] Mike Mounfield, executive director for the JQDT, said: “Establishing a Neighbourhood Plan will allow us to choose what developments we have in the Quarter and actually make things happen, rather than just talking about it.” “To get a Neighbourhood Plan the Government needs us to have a Neighbourhood Planning Forum of at least 21 people including a local councillor, as well as those that work and live in the area. “The Planning Forum will represent one coherent voice for the Jewellery Quarter to help strike the right balance between residents, business, heritage, craft and creativity in this special part of a special city.” The Planning Forum will steer the Neighbourhood Plan, which will take around a year to establish.  The Forum’s suggestions on developments will be presented to the Jewellery Quarter community to vote on. If it is approved, Birmingham City Council will adopt the plan. [caption id="" align="alignnone" width="324"] David Mahony[/caption] David Mahony, managing director of PCPT Architects in Spencer Street, said: “The Jewellery Quarter has an eclectic mix of offices, retail businesses and factories, alongside leisure operators, tourist attractions and an ever-increasing residential community. It’s also bursting at the seams with history so the Planning Forum is the perfect opportunity for people from across the Quarter to ensure they have their say on the sector that affects them.” Jewellery Quarter resident Matthew Bott said: “Residents choose to live in the area because of its character and amenities. We are an active part of the local community so it is very positive to see our representation within the Neighbourhood Planning Forum.” If you would like to help shape the future of the Jewellery Quarter, please register your interest before Friday 22^nd November. Contact Mike Mounfield on 0121 233 2814 or email mike.mounfield@jqdt.org.

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