Community group
A community group (full name ‘voluntary and community group’) is a collection of individuals located in a common geographical area who come together to promote a common cause for the public/community benefit. The aim may be to influence institutions, corporations or government and possibly to influence social reform or seek more representation on decision-making bodies.
Typical examples of community groups are community associations such as King’s Cross Brunswick Neighbourhood Association, which aims to improve the quality of life of local residents in the King’s Cross and Brunswick area of central London.
Community groups usually have a governing document called a ‘constitution’ which sets out the group’s rules, aims, obligations and powers. As well as providing a framework for action, the constitution ensures the group operates in accordance with the law and in a responsible manner.
The typical characteristics of a community group might include:
- Activities are for the benefit of the community or general public.
- It relies on volunteer support – none of the members are paid.
- It is independent and self-governing, appointing its own management committee.
- It is not for profit, therefore nobody is paid for what they do.
In the England and Wales, local government may offer grants for projects such as activities for young people, volunteer programmes and the development of communal facilities.
Community groups may be stakeholders in the built environment or in construction projects, and may need to be consulted, or may comment on, or object to planning applications and other activities.
In 2011, the Localism Act introduced a number of community rights, such as:
- Community Right to Bid.
- Community Right to Challenge.
- Community Right to Build.
- Community Right to Reclaim Land.
- The Right to Contest.
- Neighbourhood planning measures.
- Assets of community value.
For more information see: Community rights.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
- Community liaison officer.
- Community right to bid.
- Community right to build.
- Community rights.
- King's Cross Station Redevelopment
- Lifetime neighbourhoods.
- Local development order.
- Localism Act.
- Neighbourhood development orders.
- Neighbourhood planning
- Neighbourhood Planning Bill 2016-17.
- User panels for briefing and design development
Featured articles and news
CIOB and CORBON combine forces
To elevate professional standards in Nigeria’s construction industry.
Amendment to the GB Energy Bill welcomed by ECA
Move prevents nationally-owned energy company from investing in solar panels produced by modern slavery.
Gregor Harvie argues that AI is state-sanctioned theft of IP.
Heat pumps, vehicle chargers and heating appliances must be sold with smart functionality.
Experimental AI housing target help for councils
Experimental AI could help councils meet housing targets by digitising records.
New-style degrees set for reformed ARB accreditation
Following the ARB Tomorrow's Architects competency outcomes for Architects.
BSRIA Occupant Wellbeing survey BOW
Occupant satisfaction and wellbeing tool inc. physical environment, indoor facilities, functionality and accessibility.
Preserving, waterproofing and decorating buildings.
Many resources for visitors aswell as new features for members.
Using technology to empower communities
The Community data platform; capturing the DNA of a place and fostering participation, for better design.
Heat pump and wind turbine sound calculations for PDRs
MCS publish updated sound calculation standards for permitted development installations.
Homes England creates largest housing-led site in the North
Successful, 34 hectare land acquisition with the residential allocation now completed.
Scottish apprenticeship training proposals
General support although better accountability and transparency is sought.
The history of building regulations
A story of belated action in response to crisis.
Moisture, fire safety and emerging trends in living walls
How wet is your wall?
Current policy explained and newly published consultation by the UK and Welsh Governments.
British architecture 1919–39. Book review.
Conservation of listed prefabs in Moseley.
Energy industry calls for urgent reform.