4.14.8 Community, Leisure & Tourism Facilities Preferred Option

Leisure and tourism facilities are in general well-caterd for at a local level. Heritage sites could be developed more, turning Rochford itself into a heritage village, with antique/art/tourist-type attractions based on its history. Rayleigh mill is an example of this type of scheme. There are several dilapidated properties in Rochford which could be the subject of council subsidesd restoration. Whilst not strictly a local government issue some encouragement gould be given to assisted-promoted use of local amenities could be put in place.

"The council will provide a policy dealing with community, leisure and tourism proposals.."

When will it provide such a policy?

We are unclear why Healthcare facilities is in this section, whilst possibly the biggest planning influence over health in the District is not mentioned. Clear reference needs to be made to developing policies that encourage an increase in physical activity as part of daily living, such as walking and cycling.

The Policy has yet to be instigated, its flawed as no real lead has been made. We have the longest coastline in Essex yet very poor use of its potential. The need to look solely at land based projects in this already over crowded area id flawed. The ammount of funding required to make a success of the stratergy will involve private funding, unless there's assistance in a change of policy, with a potential of sustained growth in the sector this will not take place.

I agree that the Counil has to develop a policy of this kind, but feel that there should be a presumption against using green-belt land. Everything to be looked at on its merits.

Core Strategy Preferred Options

Thank you for your email of 21 May consulting The Theatres Trust on the Preferred Options for the Core Strategy.

The Theatres Trust is the national advisory public body for theatres and a statutory consultee on planning applications affecting land on which there is a theatre. This applies to all theatre buildings, old and new, in current use, in other uses, or disused. Established by The Theatres Trust Act 1976 'to promote the better protection of theatres', our main objective is to safeguard theatre use, or the potential for such use but we also provide expert advice on design, conservation, property and planning matters to theatre operators, local authorities and official bodies.

Due to the specific nature of the Trust's remit we are concerned with the protection and promotion of theatres and therefore anticipate policies relating to cultural facilities.

We are disappointed that the Preferred Options document does not have any actual policies for our consideration although we note at 4.1 that policies will be developed for the issues that have been identified. Presumably policies will be available for scrutiny in the Submission document but at this late stage of the Core Strategy consultation consultees will be unable to effect any changes to the text thereafter.

However, we support your Core Strategy Issues and will comment on two.

4.13.7 Planning Obligations

To ensure that development in Rochford enhances the local environment, provides adequate community facilities and promotes urban regeneration the Council should seek to enter into legal agreements with private developers under Section 106 of the Town & Country Planning Act 1990. It is important that the need for developer contributions for the infrastructure of cultural activities is identified in the Core Strategy and you may want to broaden this out in the form of a supplementary planning document. The document should develop detailed policies setting out what achievements are expected from section 106 agreements including cultural provision. Investing time and resources in such a document will set down clearly what is required of the developer and other funding partners.

4.14.8 Community, Leisure and Tourism Facilities

As drivers for economic development, cultural activities such as the performance arts and tourism are fast growing sectors, and cultural facilities are a fundamental and dynamic part of this cultural asset base. This issue should also deal with new leisure and cultural facilities and it is important that local authorities carry out thorough and rigorous assessments of the need for open space, recreation, theatre and cultural facilities in line with PPG17 to reflect local distinctiveness. Opportunities for the provision of combined cultural activity spaces should be explored.

The section on 'An Inclusive Community' in your Community Strategy states on page 26 that 'To promote active and responsible citizenship, creating a community inclusive of all groups, and enabling everyone to fully participate in activities that improve their quality of life'.

'Celebrating Essex - a shared vision' does not appear in your list of local strategies and initiatives but on page 21 it encourages local authorities in the Essex county consortium to follow these aspirations and opportunities.

Our aspirations are to ensure that:

* Cultural facilities and opportunities are maintained and developed

* The natural and historic environment of the county is respected, protected and promoted

* The importance of culture is recognised and used to full effect in addressing social, health, economic and education issues.

Our opportunities are:

* To assist the voluntary sector and ensure that all voluntary organizations and individuals have access to information and funding

* To plan for future investment in the cultural infrastructure of the county

* To develop partnerships between the cultural sector and other providers to address health, social and environmental issues

* To coordinate and collate information and research on cultural provision and the benefits of culture across the county.

We recommend therefore that there should be specific policies in your Core Strategy to promote and protect your existing community, cultural and leisure facilities, and that public open space, recreation, sports, children's play, leisure, cultural, school and adult education, youth, health, public service and community facilities should be provided to meet the needs generated by any new development. An appropriate policy should also state that the loss of an existing facility should be resisted unless it can be demonstrated that the facility is no longer required or is to be rebuilt elsewhere.

We look forward to being consulted on the Submission Core Strategy and any Area Action Plans for your town centres.