You may notice that some members have a small “Why I’m here” box shown beneath their posts.
You may also see a small grey label beneath the heading (for example, “Planning consultant”).
This is intentional.
What the label means
The grey label indicates the background or perspective a member has chosen to share (if any).
It is there only to provide context for how a post should be read.
It does not indicate authority, status, or expertise, and it is not verified.
Why this exists
The purpose of this forum is not debate for its own sake, and not credentials or status.
It exists to help people understand:
- how planning decisions are made
- what information decision-makers relied on
- where procedural or evidential issues may have arisen
The short statement and label together are there to give context, not authority.
They help readers understand:
- the perspective a post is written from
- what the author is interested in or focusing on
- why they are participating in the discussion
They are not a biography, résumé, or a place to list qualifications.
What to include
If you choose to add a context statement or select a background, keep it short and factual:
- one sentence
- what you are looking to understand, or what you focus on
- no personal details
- no named individuals or organizations
Examples
- “Resident affected by a refusal; here to understand the decision process and evidence relied on.”
- “Planning consultant interested in decision-stage evidence and officer reporting.”
- “Parish councillor focusing on procedural fairness and decision recording.”
What this forum is (and isn’t)
This forum:
- is about process, not planning merits
- does not provide legal advice
- does not assess whether a development is “good” or “bad”
The aim is to slow things down, strip out noise, and look at how decisions were actually made.
Adding a short context statement — and, if you wish, a background label — helps keep discussions grounded, readable, and constructive, and it makes it easier for other members to understand the context of the question, and the answer will be framed towards your level of understanding.
If you prefer not to add one, that’s absolutely fine.