Object

Representation ID: 4543

Received: 23/11/2023

Respondent: Stewart MacDonald

I hope that the infrastructure plan can address the fact that Rutland does not have a public swimming pool since the closure of the pool at Catmose. In addition the plan needs to ensure that Catmose Sports Centre remains open for the public.

The Local Plan cannot deliver specific proposals unless there is a demonstrable need or a viable and deliverable proposal. Equally it is not the role of the local plan to require existing facilities and commercial enterprises to remain open and in use if the business is not viable.
The policy provides the support to enable such uses and facilities to be developed, amended, updated and reused as appropriate, however it is for the service/business provider to ensure that the business is commercially sound.

Object

Representation ID: 5206

Received: 03/01/2024

Respondent: Mr Frank Brett

Loss of community facilities should not be supported at all, in that it is likely that the loss would be permanent and not available to future residents. It would be better if the space remains available (even if 'mothballed') pending future takeup. Can the Council not consider a policy that would make this possible?

Comments noted, however it is not always practical or possible to "mothball" such places

Support

Representation ID: 5306

Received: 03/01/2024

Respondent: Mary Cade

Loss of community facilities should not be supported at all. Rutland, in conjunction with the local Town or Parish Council, should explore all avenues to help retain a facility, or at least prevent it being used permanently for a non community use.

Support noted

Support

Representation ID: 5307

Received: 03/01/2024

Respondent: Mary Cade

There should be robust evidence to support the creation of a new community facility with respect to c) - being accessible to all members of the community, not just those who are part of a select section.

Noted. Criterion c was intended to mean the design of the building is accessible. This will be amended to make it clearer.

Object

Representation ID: 5314

Received: 01/01/2024

Respondent: Ms Ann Lewis

An Arts Centre with cinema is something the town needs, just as it needs leisure facilities. The old post office in the Market Place would be an ideal site for the former.

The Local Plan cannot deliver specific proposals unless there is a demonstrable need or a viable and deliverable proposal. Equally it is not the role of the local plan to require existing facilities and commercial enterprises to remain open and in use if the business is not viable.
The policy provides the support to enable such uses and facilities to be developed, amended, updated and reused as appropriate, however it is for the service/business provider to ensure that the business is commercially sound.

Support

Representation ID: 5432

Received: 04/01/2024

Respondent: North Luffenham Parish Council

Supported

Support noted

Support

Representation ID: 5534

Received: 05/01/2024

Respondent: Mr C Udale and Grafton Spaces Ltd

This policy is supported, as it is at the heart of sustainable communities, of whatever scale. It is heartening to see a specific provision that supports proposals for new community facilities.

Support noted

Object

Representation ID: 6009

Received: 07/01/2024

Respondent: Mrs Hilary Wallace

Community facilities does not seem to include Health facilities/GP practices but the only area in the plan where such facilities are mentioned only talks about large new housing developments. One of Empingham's most important Community Facilities is it's doctor's surgery and the possibility of building a new surgery to replace the current one (which is not large enough) is vitally important to maintaining the character of this village and providing good medical services to a significant proportion of the County's population. The ability to do this has to be included somewhere in the Plan

Comments noted. relocation and expansion of the Empingham GP surgery is considered as part of the proposal to allocate land off Whitwell Road.

Support

Representation ID: 6392

Received: 08/01/2024

Respondent: Bill Deayton

One vital, yet at risk, facility is the leisure centre at Catmose. In order to support the well being of the existing population, in addition to the proposed increase in this Plan, available and affordable leisure facilities are essential.

The Local Plan cannot deliver specific proposals unless there is a demonstrable need or a viable and deliverable proposal. Equally it is not the role of the local plan to require existing facilities and commercial enterprises to remain open and in use if the business is not viable.
The policy provides the support to enable such uses and facilities to be developed, amended, updated and reused as appropriate, however it is for the service/business provider to ensure that the business is commercially sound.

Object

Representation ID: 6570

Received: 08/01/2024

Respondent: Mr Peter Gray

I am concerned , that in a county that has such a high proportion of water, there is no community swimming pool. This is essential for our young people to learn to swim. Swimming is an ideal form of exercise for many that are unable partake in other types . With such a high proportion of elderly in our community, non impact exercise is beneficial to this age group.

The Local Plan cannot deliver specific proposals unless there is a demonstrable need or a viable and deliverable proposal. Equally it is not the role of the local plan to require existing facilities and commercial enterprises to remain open and in use if the business is not viable.
The policy provides the support to enable such uses and facilities to be developed, amended, updated and reused as appropriate, however it is for the service/business provider to ensure that the business is commercially sound.

Object

Representation ID: 6584

Received: 08/01/2024

Respondent: Mr Peter Gray

No provision has been made for a cinema. Companies, such as the one at Thetford , where they have a Light Cinema, which operates with 2 screens, may be an option for a site on the bypass.

The Local Plan cannot deliver specific proposals unless there is a demonstrable need or a viable and deliverable proposal. Equally it is not the role of the local plan to require existing facilities and commercial enterprises to remain open and in use if the business is not viable.
The policy provides the support to enable such uses and facilities to be developed, amended, updated and reused as appropriate, however it is for the service/business provider to ensure that the business is commercially sound.

Object

Representation ID: 6603

Received: 08/01/2024

Respondent: Defence Infrastructure Organisation (DIO)

Agent: Montagu Evans LLP

Policy SC6 is supported in principle however here are concerns relating to the application of Part (i) of the policy which relates to the need for applications for new facilities in larger schemes to be accompanied by a robust business plan and governance arrangements.

This will not be possible for all developments, especially those of a strategic nature where the end developer, operator and user of the facility will not be known or in a position to provide such information. This level of information goes beyond what would normally constitute a material planning consideration and should be removed from policy.

Noted and agreed. Clarification added to criterion i) that this would apply to a Full or Reserved Matters application as it is considered that this level of detail would be available at this stage.

Support

Representation ID: 6726

Received: 07/01/2024

Respondent: Amanda Bloomfiled

We would like some leisure facilities in Morcott- we have none to speak of- especially for the young....

noted. this is beyond the remit of the local plan

Object

Representation ID: 7145

Received: 03/01/2024

Respondent: Jacqueline Towl

The old Wilco store, I believe owned by RCC, would make a good youth/community centre.
Any activities held at The Enterprise Park are only accessible to those with their own transport.
We need better provision of facilities for our young people; if they are not involved in sport or an uniformed activity, there is little to occupy them.

The Local Plan cannot deliver specific proposals unless there is a demonstrable need or a viable and deliverable proposal. Equally it is not the role of the local plan to require existing facilities and commercial enterprises to remain open and in use if the business is not viable.
The policy provides the support to enable such uses and facilities to be developed, amended, updated and reused as appropriate, however it is for the service/business provider to ensure that the business is commercially sound.

Object

Representation ID: 7451

Received: 08/01/2024

Respondent: Sport England

Objection to the wording proposed for the following reasons:

1. Fails to adequately protect the loss of sports and recreational buildings
Policy SC6 includes leisure facilities as a community facility and sets out circumstances where the loss of existing facilities might be considered acceptable. There is clear advice offered by paragraph 103 of the NPPF (2023) on how sports and recreational buildings should be protected from development.

Sport England is concerned the wording in proposed Policy is not compliant with the wording in paragraph 103. The criteria used in Policy SC6 also includes an assessment on financially viable which is not a policy requirement as laid out in paragraph 103 so should be removed for this type of development.

2. Fails to include text on the need for new community facilities as part of larger development proposals
The occupiers of new residential development would generate demand for sporting provision. The existing provision within an area may not be able to accommodate this increased demand. New development should contribute towards meeting the demand that it generates through the provision of on-site facilities and/or providing additional capacity off-site. The level and nature of any provision should be informed by a robust evidence base such as an up-to-date Sports Facilities Strategy or other relevant needs assessment.

Sport England does welcome the inclusion of its Active Design Document in the supporting text.
There is a need to update this text to refer to Sport England’s most up-to-date version of this document – “Active Design – Creating Active Environments through Planning and Design” (May 2023).

1) The loss of existing open space is covered by Policy EN7.
2) Policy SC7 sets out that development of 300+ homes would be expected to provide onsite outdoor sports facilities. If new indoor recreational facilities were to be required these would be considered strategic for the County and would be delivered through the County Council rather than by a specific development. As RCC is a Community Infrastructure Levy charging authority developer contributions towards such provision will be covered through CIL.

Reference updated as requested

Support

Representation ID: 7478

Received: 05/01/2024

Respondent: The British Horse Society

The policy refers to 'access by walking, cycling' without reference to other modes of travel, for example horse riding or carriage driving. Whilst most often equestrians will be active for leisure, there are many examples of utility journeys being undertaken. Our members have provided some in the image attached.

Noted. Add "other modes of sustainable travel" to criterion e)

Object

Representation ID: 7690

Received: 08/01/2024

Respondent: Cavendish Gospel Hall Trust

Agent: Andrew Beard Planning

Policy SC6 is supported in principle as it does not include a settlement requirement per se in line with NPPF 89, and as long as SC6 is given precedent over SS1, SS3 and SS9 then rural churches can come forward.

It is unclear what criterion c. refers to in being accessible for all members of society. If this is a disability requirement re ramps, level access etc. then it is acceptable, but it cannot be used to seek wider use beyond the protected characteristics of the religious faith concerned. Gospel services are open to the public, but the churches cannot be used for social purposes in relation to the religious status of the hall. This needs to be highlighted as
shared use is not possible for all faiths.
The reasoned justification text should include references for the need for churches for growth to be taken into account in planning applications.

Comments noted. Clarify that criterion c) refers to accessible design.

Support

Representation ID: 7803

Received: 08/01/2024

Respondent: Edith Weston Parish Council

We support Policy SC6.

Support noted

Support

Representation ID: 7939

Received: 08/01/2024

Respondent: Ryhall Parish Council

SC6 Community Facilities - Support

Support noted