National Planning Policy Framework Inquiry: MPs Endorse Case for Arts and Culture Within Sustainable Development

Last Updated (Thursday, 26 January 2012 00:38)

The Communities and Local Government Select Committee specifically calls for the arts and culture to be recognised  in the National Planning Policy Framework - a response welcomed by the arts bodies, including VAGA, who have lobbied for their inclusion.

In its report, published 21 December,  the Committee states that it sees ‘a compelling case for the definition of sustainable development to include a cultural dimension as part of the social pillar of the definition of sustainable development’  and recommends  that the NPPF should ‘clarify the policy position on town centres with respect to arts, culture and tourism uses’

The report into the  framework, which will see guidance cut from some 1000 pages to a mere 50, is critical of the lack of clarity around sustainable development and maintains that a proper balance needs to be maintained between economic development and protecting the environment and communities. ‘The NPPF must leave no room for doubt that the purpose of the planning system is to address social, environmental and economic demands on land supply on an equal basis.’

VAGA will be working with other colleagues in the cultural sector to champion culture in the planning system through an emerging alliance led by the Theatres' Trust..

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