Preferred Options

Local Plan Preferred Options

Thank you for your email of 1 June consulting The Theatres Trust on the preferred options of the New Local Plan.

PO13 Inclusive, Safe and Healthy Communities
Paragraph 13.6 justifies the content of Preferred Option 13 in terms of sport and recreation but makes no mention of mental or cerebral well-being through indoor cultural facilities such as libraries, museums, cinemas and theatre venues which we assume is included within the term social and cultural well-being. However, we think there is a mixture of intentions in this preferred option of sport and recreation, green infrastructure, crime and safety, and design standards. We suggest these items should be included elsewhere in other more appropriate options as this particular option provides no specific guidance for its title and should be deleted.

PO17 Culture and Tourism
Thank you for these pages of support for cultural facilities. We have no comment to make other than to suggest that the strategic policy includes an item to protect and enhance existing cultural (other than visitor attractions), arts facilities and entertainment venues (where appropriate). This is stated in the Tourism section of PO17 but not the Culture section - you have quoted the NPPF on page 94 - Item 70 on page 17 of the NPPF states that to deliver the social, recreational and cultural facilities and services that the community needs, planning policies and decisions should plan for the use of shared space and 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 - it would therefore be suitable to protect and enhance existing cultural facilities (other than visitor attractions) for the benefit of residents and visitors.

Please number or define all the bullet points for ease of reference.

Local Plan Preferred Options

Thank you for your email of 1 June consulting The Theatres Trust on the preferred options of the New Local Plan.

PO13 Inclusive, Safe and Healthy Communities
Paragraph 13.6 justifies the content of Preferred Option 13 in terms of sport and recreation but makes no mention of mental or cerebral well-being through indoor cultural facilities such as libraries, museums, cinemas and theatre venues which we assume is included within the term social and cultural well-being. However, we think there is a mixture of intentions in this preferred option of sport and recreation, green infrastructure, crime and safety, and design standards. We suggest these items should be included elsewhere in other more appropriate options as this particular option provides no specific guidance for its title and should be deleted.

PO17 Culture and Tourism
Thank you for these pages of support for cultural facilities. We have no comment to make other than to suggest that the strategic policy includes an item to protect and enhance existing cultural (other than visitor attractions), arts facilities and entertainment venues (where appropriate). This is stated in the Tourism section of PO17 but not the Culture section - you have quoted the NPPF on page 94 - Item 70 on page 17 of the NPPF states that to deliver the social, recreational and cultural facilities and services that the community needs, planning policies and decisions should plan for the use of shared space and 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 - it would therefore be suitable to protect and enhance existing cultural facilities (other than visitor attractions) for the benefit of residents and visitors.

Please number or define all the bullet points for ease of reference.

Draft Infrastructure Plan

Thank you for your email of 1 June consulting The Theatres Trust on the preferred options of the draft Infrastructure Plan.

4. Social and Community Infrastructure
Local planning authorities are advised at item 156 of the National Planning Policy Framework that their local plans should set out strategic priorities to deliver the provision of health, security, community and cultural infrastructure and other local facilities.

Section 4 of the draft plan deals with most community infrastructure except cultural venues and although the document is designed to cover new housing developments the sub section at 4.5.13 could include the opportunity for performance spaces to be included in new community centres which would be of great benefit particularly for young people (unless new schools can include this provision).

Theatres in community halls and schools are useful performance spaces that can bring out a person or child's creativity in a way that no sport can. Performances in local schools can help improve reading skills and teach a child about commitment through auditions and rehearsals. Being part of a production requires a lot of dedication and teaches responsibility by showing children that others depend on them if the performance is to be successful. Theatres help build self-esteem and public speaking can help adults and children who lack confidence. A school theatre could also be made available for public performances and be used by local amateur dramatic groups and other community groups.

Draft Infrastructure Plan

Thank you for your email of 1 June consulting The Theatres Trust on the preferred options of the draft Infrastructure Plan.

4. Social and Community Infrastructure
Local planning authorities are advised at item 156 of the National Planning Policy Framework that their local plans should set out strategic priorities to deliver the provision of health, security, community and cultural infrastructure and other local facilities.

Section 4 of the draft plan deals with most community infrastructure except cultural venues and although the document is designed to cover new housing developments the sub section at 4.5.13 could include the opportunity for performance spaces to be included in new community centres which would be of great benefit particularly for young people (unless new schools can include this provision).

Theatres in community halls and schools are useful performance spaces that can bring out a person or child's creativity in a way that no sport can. Performances in local schools can help improve reading skills and teach a child about commitment through auditions and rehearsals. Being part of a production requires a lot of dedication and teaches responsibility by showing children that others depend on them if the performance is to be successful. Theatres help build self-esteem and public speaking can help adults and children who lack confidence. A school theatre could also be made available for public performances and be used by local amateur dramatic groups and other community groups.