Development Management Development Plan (DPD)

Comment

Representation ID: 675

Received: 09/08/2010

Respondent: The Theatres Trust

We have no issue with the suggested option but wish to add that theatres are very complex buildings technically and do need to be very carefully planned both inside and out. They need substantial development if they are to keep pace with public expectations and the needs of performers and producers and we are keen to help theatre owners do more to improve and adapt their buildings and to attract new audiences.
The document should ensure that access to your theatres is not impeded by other proposals, such as those which could prevent disabled access and drop off, parking of trucks and vans for stage get-ins, broadcasting and other uses of theatre spaces. A theatre's economic sustainability relies upon it being able to have unrestricted physical access for users.

Support

Representation ID: 676

Received: 09/08/2010

Respondent: The Theatres Trust

We support the approach for enhancing the town centre and also the inclusion of sui generis use in the town centre (Table 2). The enhancement of your theatres will make a strong contribution to the character of the town and increase the experience of visiting the town as a tourist. A festival or summer season may be a crucial draw and bring major economic advantage but this will only be possible if suitable venues are available.
All theatre buildings are costly to run and maintain but with a diverse range of content and service providers, plus a range of audiences and users to reflect the wider community, it is possible to sustain the long term viability of your theatre buildings. It is also important to ensure that there is a robust policy requiring the replacement of an existing cultural facility where development would result in their loss. This is particularly so where land values could be higher for other uses. In our experience without such a policy it is impossible to negotiate a proper replacement arts facility. As such, it is something the Council should wish to protect through robust development management policies.

Comment

Representation ID: 677

Received: 09/08/2010

Respondent: The Theatres Trust

Table 4 and Table 5 do not include sui generis class use thereby excluding your theatres. As an indication of other standards, Waveney DC has 1 cycle stand per 40 seats - 1 parking space per 5 fixed seats - adequate turning and loading facilities inc. space for one coach or 16.5m lorry.
With regard to transport and parking arrangements for your evening economy we would like to emphasise that the economics of evening cultural and entertainment venues are reliant on audiences being able to get to the venue by car and public transport and being able to park their cars and bikes safely. We would strongly urge any planning policies concerned with parking provision to consider the presence of theatres, cinemas and evening leisure facilities in the locality.