Support

Southend Central Area Action Plan

Representation ID: 681

Received: 09/08/2010

Respondent: The Theatres Trust

Representation Summary:

Option Box 18: yes to 18a - Many historic buildings have lost their original use and have been adapted over time to new uses. It is important for the survival of buildings to have a viable use but conversion schemes can have a detrimental impact on their historic fabric and character. The alterations necessary to continue the use of a building must be balanced against the impact on the historic fabric and character of the building and the Council should ensure that new uses respect the existing features of a building. The new use must adapt to the building not the other way round and involve the least amount of intervention.

Full text:

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.

Southend as a 'cultural hub'

We support this aspiration and the bulleted list of examples which include theatres and music venues. However we do not think the document addresses the issue of how this state will be attained. Only the first bullet point at para.3.24 on page 17 relates to specific cultural development.

Option 3 City by the Sea

Out of the three options this seems most pertinent to Southend although we are disappointed that none of the new Quarters make any specific reference to developments that will gain this objective. Most of the proposals could relate to improvements for any town centre and it is unfortunate that the Palace Theatre is not sited within any of the new Quarters as it would be an obvious choice to play a leading role in the 'cultural hub'. However we note the 'scope to upgrade' the Cliffs Pavilion outdoor space and look forward to being consulted on the planning application.

Development Management

Option Box 17: yes to 17b - development management policies should provide specific criteria to determine planning applications for the whole borough including the central area.

Option Box 18: yes to 18a - Many historic buildings have lost their original use and have been adapted over time to new uses. It is important for the survival of buildings to have a viable use but conversion schemes can have a detrimental impact on their historic fabric and character. The alterations necessary to continue the use of a building must be balanced against the impact on the historic fabric and character of the building and the Council should ensure that new uses respect the existing features of a building. The new use must adapt to the building not the other way round and involve the least amount of intervention.

Option Box 20: 20d would be fair as different areas require separate treatments. Your local public transport must be more than adequate if residents and visitors are to be able to access the varied sectors. The evening economy will require car parking while the retail sector should be able to rely on public transport between shopping areas and residential areas.