National Policy Planning Framework - Act Now and Lobby for Inclusion of Arts and Culture

As Parliament slid into recess behind the phone hacking scandal Eric Pickles' team at the Department for  Communities and Local Government  published its draft  National Policy Planning Framework for sustainable development.

Opening with the wish to allow people back in to the planning process and the indisputable statement that "planning plays a vital role in building our economy and supporting strong, vibrant and healthy communities"  the document includes economic, environmental and social planning policies for England and provides a framework within which local people and councils can produce local and neighbourhood plans. It however fails to pay any heed to the role of culture except in protecting historic buildings and veteran trees .

The Theatres Trust has issued a statement calling for "the policies on creating ‘sustainable communities’ to recognise that the planning system needs to deliver the right cultural facilities to meet local needs. As stated in the ambition of the NPPF it is through culture we facilitate social interaction and inclusive communities." The Trust has  also pubished a very useful briefing on responding to the consultation  >>

VAGA alongside the Theatres Trust urges anyone with an interest in the arts and culture to write to Rt Hon Greg Clark MP
Minister for Planning, Department for Communities and Local Government, Eland House, Bressenden Place, London SW1E 5DU and to respond to the online consultation   - closing date 17th October.

Full document  >>