• 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.

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."