8.3.1 to 8.3.2 Explanation

Despite culture being included in Objective 13 of the draft Local Plan, the promotion of culture is not clearly reflected in any of the relevant draft policies.

In the NPPF, Paragraph 70 states that in 'promoting healthy communities', planning decisions should 'plan positively for cultural buildings' and 'guard against the loss of cultural facilities and services.' In addition, Paragraph 156 directs local planning authorities to ensure their local plan includes cultural policies that reflect the NPPF.

Culture and the creative industries play a key role in developing vibrant town and village centres, which are the economic and social heart of sustainable communities. Culture and cultural activity helps develop a sense of place and is what makes communities unique and special.

Local plans should therefore support arts and culture at all levels to support the local economy and ensure that all residents and visitors, and future generations, have access to cultural opportunities. Policies should protect, support and enhance cultural facilities and activities, particularly those which might otherwise be traded in for more commercially lucrative developments, and promote cultural led development as a catalyst for regeneration in town centres.

Given the rural nature and scale of Harborough District, Leicesters-Shire & Rutland Sport would support the importance placed on community facilities, specifically as places for Harborough residents to be physically active. Longer drive times to larger leisure facilities in Harborough places even more significance on provision of high quality, accessible local facilities.

Thurnby and Bushby Parish Council supports as sound. However, the Parish Council is concerned at the pressure on existing community facilities (schools, GP surgeries etc) during the construction of new developments, before trigger points are reached.