Volunteer Chair of the Soho Society Planning Group

What will you be doing?

The Soho Society reviews all applications for development for Soho each month. Usually, around 30 to 40 applications of which 4 or 5 will be significant. It has done so since 1972. A team of 4 or 5 members discuss the application based on the standing mandate and then respond to Westminster City Council.   We need a volunteer to work with the group to prioritise the review and update policies and also input to the debate.   Monthly meetings take place in our office in Soho and we usually go for dinner or a drink afterward.

What are we looking for?

Planning officer or architect who is not averse to using the internet to access the applications and a computer to settle the agenda and response to Westminster City Council. Though if you have planning skills but are not into computers we would be happy to organise some training. This role may suit a retired planning officer or architect. Also to attend planning hearings at Westminster Council and consider issues relating to appeal. Helps if you love Soho and its special character. You do not need to be a Soho resident as there is lots of local knowledge on the committee.  The key requirement is a clear understanding of planning law and how planning policy works and decisions made.   Although separate from the Soho Neighbourhood Forum we have a good relationship with the people on our steering group and there is a number of individuals on both groups.

What difference will you make?

Steering what happens to development in Soho at this time is a fascinating project. We are a statutory consultee, we have regular presentations from architects and developers. Soho faces some significant challenges from inappropriate development. We would like someone motivated and well informed on our side.