Regulation 18 Draft Local Plan

Support

Representation ID: 1298

Received: 25/04/2024

Respondent: Theatres Trust

Theatres Trust is broadly supportive of this policy and welcomes that it has been strengthened from the previous version. However, we consider it can be amended further to make it more robust.

We previously urged reference to need rather than viability. The risk of viability being manipulated has been mitigated through parts c and d of this policy, although we suggest that part c should also reference re-use of the same use under a different operational model as well as re-use for an alternative facility. This would prevent loss of existing use where it could be sustainable through for example community ownership.

We also recommend that the supporting text sets out what sort of evidence should be required, which we would urge to include evidence of marketing at an appropriate sale or rental value for existing use without development/alternative use potential through local and national agents appropriate to the use. Such exercises should also take place over a period of at least 12 months, although we urge up to 24 months.