Allocations DPD Discussion and Consultation Document

Thank you for your email of 18 March consulting The Theatres Trust on the Allocations Development Plan Document and the Development Management Development Plan Document.

The Theatres Trust is The National Advisory Public Body for Theatres. The Town & Country Planning (General Development Procedure) Order 1995, Article 10, Para (v) requires the Trust to be consulted on planning applications which include 'development involving any land on which there is a theatre.' It was established by The Theatres Trust Act 1976 'to promote the better protection of theatres'. This applies to all buildings that were either built as theatres or are used for theatre presentations, in current use, in other uses, or disused.

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.

Allocations

As your Core Strategy does not include cultural facilities we are unable to comment as these are not reflected here. The Allocations document only deals with leisure centres and community centres. It is possible that your community centres provide opportunities for local residents to be fully engaged in cultural, sporting and artistic activities but this isn't clear.

Your Cultural Strategy on page 12 states that Lack of cultural facilities in the district was also highlighted, including no specific museum or live music and performance focused space, as well as a frustration regarding the lack of cohesive communication about all opportunities in the district.