Key culture professionals and organisations have questioned the draft National Planning Policy Framework published by the Department for Communities and Local Government in July.
Planning minister Greg Clark said in the foreword that the proposed 58-page framework would allow “people and communities back into planning”.
The cultural heritage of national parks, retail and leisure developments are discussed in the document, but there is no mention of museums or galleries.
Iain Watson, director of Tyne & Wear Archives and Museums, said: “Recognition of the relationship of museum collections to the landscape and environment from which they come and, more generally, an acknowledgement of the value of cultural services, rather than simply leisure, within the planning process would be welcome.”
Meanwhile, Alan Davey, chief executive of Arts Council England (ACE), said: “The Arts Council will be making a response to the consultation, emphasising the value of culture as well as heritage.”
He added that ACE would like to see the policy framework acknowledge the importance of the social value of arts and culture, as well as focusing on the buildings and spaces which form England’s cultural infrastructure, stressing that arts organisations are “vital” to cities countrywide.
In a statement, the National Campaign for the Arts (NCA) said: “We warmly welcome a more simplified planning system. However, we are deeply concerned that culture is not afforded the same status as sports, heritage and leisure within the current proposals.”
The NCA urged “all those who care about the cultural sector” to respond to the draft framework. The consultation process closes on 17 October.
Planning minister Greg Clark said in the foreword that the proposed 58-page framework would allow “people and communities back into planning”.
The cultural heritage of national parks, retail and leisure developments are discussed in the document, but there is no mention of museums or galleries.
Iain Watson, director of Tyne & Wear Archives and Museums, said: “Recognition of the relationship of museum collections to the landscape and environment from which they come and, more generally, an acknowledgement of the value of cultural services, rather than simply leisure, within the planning process would be welcome.”
Meanwhile, Alan Davey, chief executive of Arts Council England (ACE), said: “The Arts Council will be making a response to the consultation, emphasising the value of culture as well as heritage.”
He added that ACE would like to see the policy framework acknowledge the importance of the social value of arts and culture, as well as focusing on the buildings and spaces which form England’s cultural infrastructure, stressing that arts organisations are “vital” to cities countrywide.
In a statement, the National Campaign for the Arts (NCA) said: “We warmly welcome a more simplified planning system. However, we are deeply concerned that culture is not afforded the same status as sports, heritage and leisure within the current proposals.”
The NCA urged “all those who care about the cultural sector” to respond to the draft framework. The consultation process closes on 17 October.