Hastings Planning Strategy Proposed Submission Version

We support the Submission document, although none of the policies actually protect and enhance your cultural facilities, because there is an underlying acknowledgment that venues for cultural activities are an important element for the well-being of residents and visitors. Policy E3 encourages arts and cultural uses, but doesn't protect them, and Policy FA3 will 'protect and enhance' architectural heritage, but only 'promote' cultural facilities in the town centre.

Paragraph 4.38 on page 35 states that cultural and artistic venues will be supported, but this is not actually reflected in policies FA3, E3 and DS2. The White Rock Theatre is mentioned with regard to the development of a cultural quarter, but the Stables Theatre, which is an important venue for the evening economy in the Old Town, is not mentioned.

There is clear guidance now in the new National Planning Policy Framework which states that one of the three dimensions to support economic development is for the support of communities' health, social and cultural well-being. It also recommends that established cultural facilities and services are retained and able to develop for the benefit of the community, and there should be policies to guard against the unnecessary loss of valued cultural and community facilities.

Theatres are businesses and employment generators in their own right. They are sources of direct and indirect employment through not just performers, but stage-builders, programme printers, costume manufacturers and catering facilities within theatres. The relationship between subsidised and commercial arts is vital in maintaining the quality and access that makes the arts, culture and the creative industries so successful.