Use this page to learn about Area Forums, Community Conversations and the Connecting Communities Programme.
Area Forums are public meetings that bring together residents, Ward and Parish Councillors and community organisations to discuss topics of local interest and help address areas of concern. The Police and Fire Service regularly attend to give updates and take questions. Community groups share news and information and public services often present their consultations.
Area Forum meetings form part of the Connecting Communities programme. They are open to any residents that wish to attend - you can ask questions, give feedback or just listen.
The key principles of the 'Connecting Communities' programme
We can develop a shared understanding and deal with many challenges together by talking through the topics that matter most to local people and working collaboratively. Working with partners, parishes and councillors we established area forums as part of our 'Connecting Communities' programme.
Our approach is built around five key principles:
- listen
- prioritise
- join-up
- work with you
- share ideas
Local plan briefing dates
The Area Forums and Parish Liaison Meeting will be hosting a series of both online and in-person briefings on the Local Plan on the dates listed below.
| Date and time | Event | Location |
|---|---|---|
| 15 September 2026, 5pm to 6pm | Bath Briefing | Online (Click here to join 15 September meeting) |
| 16 September 2026, 6pm to 7:30pm | Somer Valley Forum | Online (Click here to join 16 September meeting) |
| 21 September 2026, 12pm to 1pm | Bath Briefing | Online (Click here to join 21 September meeting) |
| 22 September 2026, 6pm to 7:30pm | Bathavon Area Forum | Online (Click here to join 22 September meeting) |
| 23 September 2026, 6pm to 8pm | Chew Valley Area Forum | Chew Valley School (in person) |
| 24 September 2026, 6:30pm to 8:30pm | Keynsham Area Forum | Community Space, Keynsham (in person) |
| 21 October 2026, 6:30pm to 8:30pm | Parish Liaison | Community Space, Keynsham (in person) |
Find an Area Forum or Community Conversation
There are Area Forums for Bathavon, Keynsham, Chew Valley and Somer Valley, and Community Conversations for Bath. View them on a map.
We host Area Forums several times a year. Use the links below for more information.
Community Conversations
Bath’s Area Forum has been replaced by Bath Community Conversations. These are open to all and take the form of drop-in sessions at community venues. They involve the same partner organisations as the Area Forums and share the same principles.
For further information contact the Corporate Engagement Team