South East Essex Green Belters Constitution

Mission Statement

The South East Essex Green Belters are dedicated to protecting and preserving our local green belt for current and future generations. We unite residents to advocate for sustainable land use, prevent overdevelopment, and raise awareness of the environmental and community value of our natural spaces.

Together, we strive to safeguard the green belt’s beauty and vitality through collaboration, education, and active community engagement.

Constitution of the South East Essex Green Belters

1. Name

The name of the group shall be the South East Essex Green Belters (“the Group”).

2. Purpose

The Group exists to:

• Represent the voices of local residents of South East Essex
• Encourage and promote community involvement in planning decisions, both within communities and externally, ensuring local voices are heard
• Protect and preserve local green belt land from inappropriate development
• Prevent over-densification and overdevelopment of local areas
• Promote awareness of the environmental, social, and cultural value of the green belt
• Encourage sustainable land use
• Work collaboratively with residents, local authorities, and organisations to safeguard natural spaces for future generations

3. Membership

• Membership is open to all residents’ associations and community groups who share the Group’s aims
• Members must agree to abide by this constitution and act in the best interests of the Group
• No membership fee shall be charged unless agreed by the majority at a General Meeting

4. Governance

• The Group shall be governed by a Committee elected annually at the Annual General Meeting (AGM)
• The Committee shall consist of at least:
  • Chair
  • Secretary
  • Treasurer
  • Up to 5 additional members (e.g. Campaigns Coordinator, Community Liaison)

• Committee members must be members of the Group
• Decisions shall be made by a majority vote of the Committee

5. Meetings

• General Meetings shall be held at least twice per year and be open to all members
• An Annual General Meeting (AGM) shall be held once per year to elect the Committee, review activities, and approve accounts
• The Committee shall meet at least quarterly
• The quorum for General Meetings shall be 10 members or one-third of the membership, whichever is fewer

6. Finance

• All funds shall be used solely to further the Group’s aims
• The Treasurer shall maintain accurate records of income and expenditure
• Accounts shall be presented at the AGM
• The Group shall operate a bank account in its name, with at least two signatories required for withdrawals

7. Campaigning and Activities

• The Group may organise petitions, public meetings, educational events, and lawful demonstrations
• The Group shall engage with local councils, planning authorities, developers, and the media to represent community concerns
• The Group may seek funding from appropriate bodies or donations from interested parties to further its aims
• All activities must remain non-partisan, lawful, and respectful

8. Amendments

• This constitution may be amended at a General Meeting by a two-thirds majority of members present
• Proposed amendments must be circulated to members at least 14 days in advance

9. Dissolution

• The Group may be dissolved by a two-thirds majority at a General Meeting
• Any remaining funds shall be donated to a local environmental or community charity agreed by the members