2 responses from Mr Tom Clarke, Theatres Trust
1. Mr Tom Clarke, Theatres Trust : 16 Dec 2015 11:42:00
Policy Area and Topic
General Requirements for all Development
Please make your comments below on the Policy Area / Topic you have selected. Where appropriate, make reference to the Option you prefer and the question number referred to in the Discussion Paper.
Section 2: Since the Core Strategy was adopted in 2010, core planning principles and the definition of sustainable development has changed with the introduction of the NPPF which now includes references to culture as part of the social aspect of sustainable development. This should be reflected in any updated policy.
Are there any other topics you think we have missed? You may wish to refer to Section 8 of the Discussion Paper 'Other Saved Local Plan Policies'.
Section 2: Since the Core Strategy was adopted in 2010, core planning principles and the definition of sustainable development has changed with the introduction of the NPPF which now includes references to culture as part of the social aspect of sustainable development. This should be reflected in any updated policy.
2. Mr Tom Clarke, Theatres Trust : 16 Dec 2015 11:58:00
Policy Area and Topic
Sustainable Communities and Health & Wellbeing - Community Facilities
Please make your comments below on the Policy Area / Topic you have selected. Where appropriate, make reference to the Option you prefer and the question number referred to in the Discussion Paper.
The importance of planning for culture and community facilities is emphasised in the National Planning Policy Framework by being included as a core planning principle (item 17). This is supported by guidance in item 70 of the NPPF which states that to deliver the social, recreational and cultural facilities and services that the community needs, planning policies and decisions should guard against unnecessary loss of valued facilities. Also to ensure that established facilities and services are retained and able to develop for the benefit of the community.
Further, Item 156 states that local planning authorities should set out the strategic priorities for the area in the Local Plan. This should include strategic policies to deliver the provision of health, security, community and cultural infrastructure and other local facilities.
It is vital for the local plan to safeguard and protect existing cultural facilities which benefit and support sustainable communities which might otherwise be traded in for more commercially lucrative developments.
We recommend an updated policy along the lines of:
Cultural and Community Facilities
The council will resist the loss or change of use of existing cultural and community facilities unless replacement facilities are provided on site or within the vicinity which meet the need of the local population, or necessary services can be delivered from other facilities without leading to, or increasing, any shortfall in provision, and it has been demonstrated that there is no community need for the facility or demand for another community use on site.
The Policy should also contain criteria for encouraging the provision of new facilities to serve the growing population in the District.
For clarity and consistency, we also recommend that a description for the term ‘cultural and community facilities’ is provided in the Glossary and accompanying text that would obviate the need for specific examples and recommend: cultural and community facilities provide for the health, welfare, social, educational, spiritual, recreational, leisure and cultural needs of the community.
