Recreation, Culture & Community

Transcription

1 TOPIC PAPER Recreation, Culture & Community Review of the Island s Development Plans January 2012

2 REVIEW OF THE RURAL AREA PLAN AND THE URBAN AREA PLAN An Introduction to the Topic Papers The need to review the Development Plans The Environment Department has begun the formal review of the two Development Plans that are currently in force: the Urban Area Plan (Review No. 1) (the UAP) and the Rural Area Plan (Review No 1) (the RAP). This review is the first to be undertaken under the Land Planning and Development (Guernsey) Law, The Development Plans need to be comprehensively reviewed to ensure that they comply with the new Strategic Land Use Plan, approved by the States in November They also need to be able to respond to current and emerging land use issues over the next 10 years. The Strategic Land Use Plan The new Strategic Land Use Plan sets out a new spatial strategy as well as strategic direction on the important planning issues affecting all sectors of the population and the economy. It promotes a more co-ordinated, proactive, flexible approach to the management of development. The role of the Development Plans The Development Plans have a vital role in the Island s future by providing for the development the Island needs to maintain its economic prosperity and social needs whilst ensuring that Guernsey remains a unique place to live, work and visit: They give effect to the Strategic Land Use Plan through detailed policies for the development that is essential to the economic, social and environmental life of the Island and help deliver the strategic policies of the States. They guide the Department in assessing planning applications against a number of material planning considerations designed to ensure the quality of new development. They are themselves a material consideration in the assessment of planning applications 1

3 Box 1: Core Objectives of the Strategic Land Use Plan Box 2: The new spatial strategy of the Strategic Land Use Plan 2

4 The review of the Development Plans will shape development in Guernsey for the next 10 years. The Plan Review will look at the best way to protect and enhance natural and built heritage, environment, valued open space and countryside and the urban centres. It will also set out where new homes will be built, where new employment should be located and how the physical and social infrastructure such as shops, social facilities and roads will be provided to support new development. The Development Plan(s) should also play an important part in tackling the issues surrounding climate change and in achieving sustainable development. The current division of the Island into two Development Plans is based historically upon the settlement strategy of concentrating development in the urban area and conserving and enhancing the rural area. Reviewing the UAP and RAP together provides an opportunity to consider planning issues on an Island wide basis and to consider whether to produce a number of Plans or to prepare an Island-wide Plan for the first time. Public engagement in the first stage of the Plan Review When reviewing Development Plans, the Environment Department is legally required to undertake a minimum level of community involvement. However, the Department aims to exceed these requirements so that all individuals and organisations with an interest in the review will have a range of opportunities to get involved in the plan-making process. Further information is available in a Community Guide to the Plan Review which can be downloaded from The first stage of plan making is to assess the implications of the new strategic policies and to gather the information needed to inform policy decisions about how much, where and in what form development should take place. This means consulting with States Departments and other organisations with an interest in such topics as housing, economic development, service and infrastructure provision and environmental issues. It is also an opportunity to inform the wider community of the Plan Review, of the new spatial strategy and to ask for feedback on the Department s initial questions about how the review will approach the various issues raised. The next stage of the plan-making process will involve consultation on a series of Key Issues and Options Papers. To be published in mid-2012, these will follow on from the Topic Papers and identify specific options for consideration. The Key Issues and Options papers will also be subject to detailed and extensive engagement with the community. The following Topic Papers have been prepared to assist this consultation: A Sustainable Approach Natural and Built Character Main and Local Centres Housing Employment and Economy Recreation, Culture and Community They are all available (free of charge) either as hard copies from the Environment Department Reception at Sir Charles Frossard House, La Charroterie, St Peter Port or electronically via the States website at 3

5 How to Respond to the Topic Papers The Topic Papers ask questions designed to stimulate discussion and help us to define the issues and put forward options for future consultation. You may wish to comment on all or just a few. Each question is numbered. You can respond to the questions using the response form at the end of this Topic Paper. Comments on all Topic Papers are invited over an eight week period commencing on the 16 th January, 2012 and closing on the 16 th March, Important Note: All comments and responses received will be compiled on a Plan Review database, which will be available for public inspection in accordance with the States adopted protocol on data protection. Personal contact details will not be shared. 4

6 Topic Paper Recreation, Culture and Community Strategic Planning Framework The core objective of the Strategic Land Use Plan is the development of spatial planning policies that improve the quality of life of Islanders and support a successful economy while protecting the Island s environment, unique cultural identity and rich heritage. Guernsey offers a wide range of leisure and recreation opportunities, indoor and outdoor, formal and informal. The continued provision of recreational, cultural and community facilities are supported by the Strategic Land Use Plan (Policy SLP10 1 ). The special role of facilities in main and local centres is also acknowledged (Policies LP8 and LP9). Creation of new and the preservation of existing open spaces and good access to them necessitates the wise management of land in both town and countryside (Policies LP8, LP13, SLP28, SLP29 and SLP31). The Island s unique cultural identity sets it apart even from the identities of the neighbouring Channel Islands, and this should be enhanced through spatial planning policies (Policy SLP34). The Strategic Land Use Plan promotes an inclusive and caring society that supports sustainable communities and removes barriers to social inclusion and social justice, benefiting otherwise vulnerable people such as the elderly (Policies LP5, LP7 and LP11). The Strategic Land Use Plan also recognises the importance of ensuring that Guernsey remains a safe and secure place to live. Background Access to a range of social, community, recreational and leisure services and facilities is an important aspect of quality of life. A wide variety of services and facilities are present in Guernsey, not least a large amount of visually and publicly accessible open space. Opportunities such as these not only support sustainable communities, but also promote creation of a healthy population and can have positive economic benefits as well as making a valuable contribution to tourism (see also Topic Papers entitled A Sustainable Approach and Employment and Economy ). The following documents contain evidence used in this paper which may be of general interest: Habitat Survey 2010; Sporting Facilities Strategy, April 2010, and; Guernsey Young People s Survey The documents can be obtained from the States of Guernsey website at 1 For clarity, these policy numbers refer to specific Strategic Land Use Plan policies 5

7 Recreation For a relatively small population, the Island is well served by a range of high quality recreational, sporting and cultural facilities, formal and informal, purpose-built and shared use. Recent and proposed developments, such as the indoor table tennis, bowls and cricket facilities at La Hougue du Pommier, have created centres of excellence developed principally by the private sector. These have proven invaluable in supplementing outdoor provision at Beau Sejour, Foote s Lane and Victoria Avenue. Well designed school recreational facilities further supplement existing provision by providing dual-use. For example, football/cricket pitches at La Mare de Carteret High School, together with recent developments at St Sampson s High, provide opportunities to meet the needs of local communities, preventing the need to build new stand-alone facilities. Tourist attractions provide for cultural and recreational pastimes that benefit both residents and visitors. The needs of the leisure boating community are met around the primary harbours, local mooring places and Beaucette Marina. The Island s coast also enables recreational pursuits such as surfing, walking, angling and kayaking. Future needs for new recreational facilities are assessed on a periodic basis (normally biannual) by the Guernsey Sports Commission and this is used to inform the provision of new services and facilities. Some of the rural centres have historically not been well served to meet local community expectations. In response to this, several private clubs, such as Sylvans (St Pierre du Bois), Rangers (St Andrew s) and Northerners (Vale), have ambitions to develop further (where possible) by expanding their existing sites and associated sporting facilities (Policy SLP10). This must be balanced against protection of agricultural land (see also Topic Paper entitled Employment and Economy ). Question R1: Is there a need for additional indoor and/or outdoor sporting, leisure and recreational space? If so, for which sports and how might these best be accommodated? Question R2: What future role might existing schools play in the provision of dual use recreational facilities? There is an increasing threat to recreational open space from other uses which might attract a greater return on investment. As a result there is a need to consider protective policies (Policies LP8 and LP9). Question R3: Should the Development Plan(s) protect recreational open spaces? In what circumstances might their loss be justified? In particular for those living in the Island s more densely developed areas, allotments provide opportunities for private food production and are also valued recreational spaces. Providing landscape character is protected, utilising agricultural land such as former vineries as allotments can preserve such land for future agricultural use whilst serving a purpose that prevents it falling into dereliction. In cases where dilapidated glass would be cleared, such a use could be beneficial (See also Topic Papers entitled Employment and Economy and Main and Local Centres ). 6

8 Question R4: How might the Development Plan(s) allow for the creation of allotments in appropriate locations? Use of agricultural land for the keeping of horses, and associated development, for recreational pursuits can compete with the use of that land for agricultural purposes and if not effectively managed could compromise the viability of the agricultural industry (Policy SLP8) (see also Topic Paper entitled Employment and Economy ). Question R5: How might the Development Plan(s) address the recreational keeping of horses? Question R6: Is there any main issue in respect of Recreation that you feel has been missed or any additional comments you would like to make? Cultural Identity Guernsey has a unique culture and identity that set it apart even from the identities of the neighbouring Channel Islands. It includes language, foods such as gâche and bean jar, and pastimes such as Crown and Anchor and ormering. It is recognised that such identity is difficult to define as it is constantly evolving, with each generation leaving their mark (see also Topic Papers entitled A Sustainable Approach and Natural and Built Character ). Events occur throughout the year, for example Liberation Day, the Viaer Marchi and the three summer shows including The Battle of Flowers and are held in a variety of locations. The Town Seafront is occasionally closed on Sundays during the summer to accommodate street stalls, entertainments and al fresco dining and parks and gardens are utilised for shows and performances (see Topic Paper entitled Main and Local Centres ). The Development Plan(s) can assist in the protection, reinforcement and promotion of the Island s cultural identity. Question R7: How might Guernsey s unique cultural identity be protected, reinforced and promoted? Question R8: What currently under-used or under-valued public spaces might appropriately accommodate events? And where might new outdoor event spaces be located? The Strategic Land Use Plan promotes incorporation of public art within major new development schemes. Public art can reflect lives and aspirations at centre, parish and Island levels and provides an opportunity to enhance the public realm (Policy SLP34). Beyond statues of historical figures Queen Victoria, Prince Albert and Victor Hugo and memorials such as the Liberation Monument, the Island has little in the way of public art. Over the summer of 2011 a number of decorated donkeys were positioned in public places around the Island and these proved very popular with both visitors and residents. Photography and music festivals are being introduced which could provide greater opportunities for changing forms of public art (see also Topic Paper entitled Main and Local Centres ). Question R9: How might the Development Plan(s) promote the introduction of temporary and permanent public art? 7

9 Question R10: Is there any main issue in respect of Cultural Identity that you feel has been missed or any additional comments you would like to make? Social Infrastructure Social infrastructure comprises healthcare, education and social welfare facilities including event spaces, community centres, social clubs and places of worship. Churchyards and burial/memorial grounds provide essential spaces for quiet reflection and also provide important wildlife habitats (see also Topic Paper entitled A Sustainable Approach ). A range of facilities currently exist to serve local communities in the main centres of Town and the Bridge, in addition to local centres in the rural parishes. Such facilities include post offices, banks and recycling points. Church halls and Douzaine Rooms can be found in each parish and the main hospital, the Princess Elizabeth Hospital, is accessibly located on the western edge of St Peter Port (Policy LP7) (see also Topic Paper entitled Main and Local Centres ). Guernsey s aging population must be taken into consideration in provision of social infrastructure in order to accommodate the future needs of the community (Policy LP5). (See Topic Paper entitled Housing.) Question R11: Is there a need for more social and community facilities to serve local communities? What particular role could these fulfil into the future? Question R12: How might the Development Plan(s) address provision of different types of burial and memorial grounds? The Education Department and Health and Social Services Department both have ongoing redevelopment programmes to improve current social and community infrastructure. There does not however appear to be a current demand for any major increase in new facilities (Policy SLP10). Key projects involve the redevelopment (and possible relocation) of La Mare de Carteret Primary and High Schools, the relocation of the College of Further Education to the former St Peter Port School site and the re-provision of Adult Mental Health facilities on the Oberlands House site, the latter involving the potential release of the Câtel Hospital (Policy LP11). Question R13: Is there a need for additional pre-school education facilities? A number of other public services require suitably accessible premises, or may require the upgrading of existing facilities in the future. For example premises to support traffic services such as test and training facilities. Other issues for the future include the appropriateness of relocating the Police Station, Prison Service and Customs to a single, central location, and of grouping the Fire and Rescue and St John s Ambulance services to a single location which could result in an improved service and more rapid response times. Question R14: What services may need future provision to be made through the Development Plan(s)? Question R15: What benefits or problems might result from the rationalisation of services? 8

10 Social and community uses are often under threat from alternative proposals that might make a higher monetary return, such as residential development. The current Development Plans have policies to protect such uses for future generations, only allowing for their loss in exceptional circumstances. Question R16: How might the Development Plan(s) continue to protect social and community uses? What might be the circumstances that would allow for their loss? Question R17: Is there any main issue in respect of Social Infrastructure that you feel has been missed or any additional comments you would like to make? Open Space Publicly accessible open space is widely available across the Island in the form of informal natural green-spaces, such as nature reserves and amenity green-spaces, including civic spaces and event spaces. More formal spaces may be found within Town (Policies LP7, LP8 and SLP28). Relatively large public parks, such as Saumarez Park (Câtel), Cambridge Park (St Peter Port) and Delancey Park (St Sampson s) provide for both the informal recreational and formal sporting needs of Islanders. Amenity green-spaces include mown areas used for less organised play and quiet relaxation, for example the Fair Field, Câtel. Question R18: Should the Development Plan(s) make provision for the creation of new public parks and public open spaces? Outside the main built-up areas, natural green-space is widely available for public access, particularly as nature reserves and coastal common land. The Island benefits from an excellent network of Ruettes Tranquilles and green lanes and a coastline that is easily accessible by most modes of travel. Guernsey s beaches also provide an important recreational space, albeit areas of use are restricted by the state of the tide (Policies SLP29 and SLP31). (See Topic Paper entitled A Sustainable Approach.) Redundant glasshouse sites exist across the Island and these, if cleared, could make a positive contribution to provision of open space or agricultural land (Policy LP13). (See Topic Papers entitled Employment and Economy and Main & Local Centres.) Question R19: How might the Development Plan(s) enhance the recreational potential and accessibility of the countryside, including the coastal fringe and beaches? Question R20: In what circumstances might loss of recreational open space be acceptable? Question R21: In what circumstances might development of redundant greenhouse sites for leisure uses be acceptable? Other than those provided within parks and green-spaces, children s play spaces catering for a range of ages are normally modest in scale and are often related to individual housing developments where overlooking and security can best be achieved. Historically, many of these areas have been planned as part of residential proposals, together with more informal kick-about areas. Provision of amenity space, including play spaces, within residential developments remains desirable (see also Topic Paper entitled Housing ). 9

11 Question R22: Is there any main issue in respect of Open Space that you feel has been missed or any additional comments you would like to make? Question R23: What role if any should the main and local centres play in the provision of recreational, cultural and community uses? 10

12 Review of the Island s Development Plans Topic Paper Response Form The Environment Department has commenced the formal review of the two Development Plans that are currently in force: The Urban Area Plan (Review No. 1) (the UAP) and the Rural Area Plan (Review No 1) (the RAP). Both Plans are approaching the end of their statutory life. This review is the first to be undertaken under the Land Planning and Development (Guernsey) Law, The Development Plans need to be comprehensively reviewed to ensure that they comply with the strategic policies of the new Strategic Land Use Plan approved by the States in November They also need to be able to respond to current and emerging land use issues over the next 10 years. The first stage of plan making is to assess the implications of the new strategic policies and to gather the information needed to inform policy decisions about how much, where and in what form development should take place. This means consulting with States Departments and other organisations with an interest in such topics as housing, economic development, service and infrastructure provision and environmental issues. About the Topic Papers The role of the Topic Papers is to inform the community of the new spatial strategy and to ask for feedback on the Department s initial questions about how the review will approach the various issues raised. What will happen to responses given to the Topic Papers? The next stage of the plan-making process will involve consultation on a series of Key Issues and Options Papers to be published in mid-2012; these will identify specific options for consideration and will be subjected to more detailed and extensive engagement with the community. PLEASE COMPLETE THE RESPONSE FORM ATTACHED AND RETURN BY TO: planreview@gov.gg If you would prefer to post your comments, please send to: Environment Department Forward Planning Sir Charles Frossard House La Charroterie St Peter Port Guernsey GY1 1FH Further copies of this response form can be downloaded from or collected from the address above. 11

13 Topic Paper Response Form For a word version of this form please go to planreview@gov.gg or call YOUR CONTACT DETAILS Your name: Job title (if applicable): Organisation/company (if applicable): Address: Postcode: Telephone: address: Stay informed: We would like to send you Plan Review updates by . Your details will never be passed on to other parties or used for another purpose. However, please tick the box if you do not want to receive Plan Review updates by TITLE OF TOPIC PAPER(S) Please state clearly in the box below the title of the Topic Paper(s) your responses relate to: YOUR COMMENTS Please respond to the Topic Paper questions using the comments box on the next page. When commenting, please state clearly which question in the Topic Paper(s) your comments relate to, using the question number. This is so we know which question you are specifically responding to. For example, if responding to Question C1: What do you think are the characteristic functions and activities 12

14 in Town and the Bridge? (Found in the Main and Local Centres Topic Paper) your response should begin with Question C1. Please feel free to use additional sheets if required. Thank you for your comments 13