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| PART 2 - 8. RECREATION,
LEISURE AND TOURISM |
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INTRODUCTION |
| 8.1 |
Sports, recreation, arts, cultural and
entertainment activities are important within the community, enriching
many people's lives and providing a wide range of benefits, such as
better health, social integration and employment. A Cultural Strategy
for the Borough drawn up in consultation with the local community,
Harrow Sports Council, local arts organisations and others, is to
be published in December 2002, and will provide a framework for further
development of arts, recreation and leisure in the Borough. |
| 8.2 |
Residents and visitors to Harrow have
a variety of recreational and leisure opportunities available to them.
The Borough's parks and playing fields cater for many outdoor sports.
Much of the Green Belt is public open space and the Council encourages
the public to make use of the countryside, footpaths and bridleways
for outdoor informal recreation, such as walking and riding. |
| 8.3 |
Extensively refurbished in 1997, Harrow
Leisure Centre, the Borough's largest indoor recreational facility,
hosts sports, social and cultural events and includes conference and
exhibition facilities. Sports facilities elsewhere in the Borough
include the Roger Bannister Sports Centre, Uxbridge Road and Aspire
(formerly the Mike Heaffey Sports Centre), Stanmore. 'Harrow Arts
& Leisure Audit', a survey of publicly accessible facilities conducted
in 1999 by Strategic Leisure Ltd, identified a need for swimming facilities
in the south west of the Borough; a synthetic floodlit pitch; improved
track facilities at Bannister Sports Centre; and improved indoor tennis
facilities. |
| 8.4 |
Harrow Arts Centre provides a focus for
cultural and artistic activities. Arts activities are highly valued
by many Harrow residents who together form a culturally diverse population
(Harrow Leisure Survey 1994). As the number of purpose built facilities
in the Borough and their distribution is limited, many activities
take place in local halls. 'Harrow Arts & Leisure Audit' noted that
the Borough lacks a purpose built theatre or performance space. Entertainment
facilities include a multiplex cinema at St George's Shopping and
Leisure Centre and a ten-pin bowling alley in North Harrow. |
| 8.5 |
Harrow has the potential to become a greater
attraction to visitors and tourists. It has an internationally known
name, good transport links with Central London, attractions such as
Headstone Manor Museum and Harrow School and proximity to pleasant,
accessible countryside. A Tourism Focus Group has been set up to promote
tourism and explore tourist opportunities in the Borough. |
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NATIONAL POLICY CONTEXT |
| 8.6 |
Art and sport promote better health and
qualifications, help to develop community spirit and can contribute
to regeneration programmes, according to the Department of Culture,
Media and Sport, (Arts & Sport: Policy Action Team 10: a report to
the Social Exclusion Unit). |
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Open Spaces and Recreation |
| 8.7 |
PPG17: Planning for Open Space, Sport
and Recreation, (July 2002) recognises the importance of sport and
recreation as a land use in its own right, and acknowledges the benefits
these bring to individuals and the community. Public open space should
be viewed in the context of the wider public interest and the Local
Planning Authority must take into account the value of open space,
not only as an amenity, but as a contributor to the conservation of
the natural and built heritage of an area. Since an open space once
built on may be impossible to replace elsewhere, guidance advises
that decisions regarding alternative uses of recreational land and
open space should be based on a long-term perspective. PPG17 acknowledges,
sports facilities, parks, open and informal green spaces to be integral
to the built environment, enhance quality of life and contribute to
the sustainability of urban areas. |
| 8.8 |
The Government attaches considerable importance
to retaining adequate recreational open space in urban areas. Their
position is made clear in PPG3, which indicates that securing more
housing in urban areas should not entail building on urban green spaces.
Furthermore, sufficient open space provision should be incorporated
within new housing developments where adequate provision does not
exist within easy access. Local Planning Authorities are expected
to have clear policies for the protection and creation of open space
and playing fields (PPG3) and to determine standards for open space,
based on an assessment of need in their areas (PPG17 para 16). Although
the Government acknowledges that standards such as those provided
by the National Playing Fields Association and Greater London Development
Plan hierarchy of local accessibility can be useful. The extent to
which these are applicable is a matter for the Local Planning Authority's
judgement. Plans should indicate local community requirements for
sports pitches. |
| 8.9 |
The Council of Europe defines sport as
'all forms of physical activity which, through casual or organised
participation, aim at improving physical fitness and mental well-being,
forming social relationships, or obtaining results in competition
at all levels'. A strategy for sport is set out in the document "England:
The Sporting Nation". Sport England (The English Sports Council) facilitates
sports development in England and aims to encourage more people to
participate in sport, more places to play and more medals to be won
through higher standards of performance. Planning Policies for Sport
(English Sports Council, 1999) affirms their commitment to working
within the land use planning system 'to ensure the needs of sport
are properly addressed'. Local Planning Authorities are required to
consult Sport England regarding planning applications that involve
the loss of land currently or last used as playing fields or land
allocated for use as playing fields in a current development plan.
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| 8.10 |
The proportion of the population participating
in sport and recreation overall increased during the late 1980s, but
remained at a similar level throughout the 1990s. Walking and cycling
have become more popular; while participation in some activities,
for example, billiards and snooker, has declined. Over the past twenty
years the number of women participating in some sports, for example,
aerobics and swimming, has increased; though women and girls continue
to be under-represented at all levels in sport (Sport England, 1999,
'Women Friendly Sports Facilities'). Walking is nationally the most
popular outdoor recreational activity. |
| 8.11 |
Local Planning Authorities are required
to notify the DTLR where permission is granted for a proposed development
to which the English Sports Council object because of a deficiency
in provision or where arrangements for alternative provision are inadequate. |
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Arts, Culture and Entertainment
(ACE) |
| 8.12 |
In recent years, greater prominence has
been given to ACE activities in recognition of their contribution
to quality of life and to social and economic regeneration. This is
reflected in Central Government policy and the request that local
authorities draw up local cultural strategies, based on an assessment
of need and opportunities and audit of provision in their areas. The
Department of Culture, Media and Sport's objectives are to promote
access for the many, not the few; to encourage the pursuit of excellence
and innovation; to nurture educational opportunity; and foster creative
industries. |
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Tourism |
| 8.13 |
The British tourist industry is large
and growing. In 1997, 25.5 million overseas visitors came to Britain.
Tourism is a major contributor to the local and national economy,
employing 1.75 million people in 125,000 businesses, and accounting
for one in six new jobs created in the last ten years. |
| 8.14 |
'Properly managed and developed, tourism
can underpin economic activity, support services and assist conservation
and enhancement of the local environment.' (UK Strategy on Sustainable
Development 'A Better Quality of Life' 1999, para 7.72). The Government
is concerned to ensure that tourism develops in ways that are 'economically,
socially and environmentally beneficial' ('Tomorrow's Tourism' 1999,
Department for Culture, Media and Sport) and has drawn up a strategy
for tourism in England 'Tomorrow's Tourism'. Together with PPG21:
Tourism (1992), this provides a framework for tourism development.
The Strategy outlines a blueprint for the sustainable development
of tourism and proposes initiatives to widen access to tourism, new
targets for hotel development in London, integrated promotion of cultural,
heritage and countryside attractions and the development of innovative
niche markets. The English Tourist Council has a broad role in facilitating
tourism nationally. |
| 8.15 |
PPG21 advises on the use of planning powers
to regulate and facilitate tourist related development and underlines
the importance of tourism to the national and local economy. It seeks
the improvement and upgrading of tourist accommodation, expansion
of low cost or 'budget accommodation' and greater emphasis on design
quality and respect for the environment in all tourist development
(para 3.11). |
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REGIONAL POLICY CONTEXT |
| 8.16 |
Arts, culture, entertainment, sports and
tourism provide significant employment, contribute to London's role
as a world city and enable residents to benefit from a wide range
of facilities. Realising the potential of these activities, while
maintaining residents' quality of life, requires a balanced distribution
of facilities and a supportive infrastructure. |
| 8.17 |
The regional strategic planning context
is provided by the spatial development strategy for London, the Mayor's
London Plan (February 2004). The policies in this chapter have been
drafted in the light of the vision, objectives and strategic policy
content of the Plan. |
| 8.18 |
Open spaces and leisure facilities, public
and private, play a vital role in enabling Londoners to participate
in sport and recreation. However, facilities are not distributed evenly
and some areas lack opportunities for leisure and recreation. For
example, there is a lack of provision for team sports in many inner
London Boroughs and facilities in Harrow may meet some strategic sports
needs. As with open spaces in general, allotment provision varies
widely. Local recreational opportunities (for example a facility in
a neighbouring Borough may be closer) may be improved through joint
working, developing reciprocal arrangements, where appropriate, with
other Boroughs and providers in respect of parks, allotments, sports,
leisure and cultural facilities. |
| 8.19 |
Open spaces are likely to become increasingly
important. Higher densities in urban areas will mean that more people
will be living in flats, fewer will have access to their own garden,
and gardens will be smaller. More people will look to public provision
to meet their amenity and recreational needs. |
| 8.20 |
Overseas visits to London account for
more than half the total number of visits to the UK, and 20% of visitors
to London also stay elsewhere, confirming London's role as a gateway
to other parts of the country. Between 1992 and 1997, overseas visits
to London rose from 10 million to 13.5 million; and domestic visits
from 7 million to 14.6 million. Overseas visitors spend more per visit,
but the day visitor market - on which many arts, leisure and cultural
attractions in London rely for their income - is also important. The
London Tourist Board has identified a need for a wider distribution
of tourist activities across London as a whole, to take the pressure
off central London (Tourism Strategy for London 1997-2000) and the
role of tourism in outer London is likely to grow. Growth in tourism
has not been matched by growth in tourist accommodation. Consequently,
London faces a shortage of tourist accommodation. |
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RECREATION, LEISURE AND
TOURISM OBJECTIVES |
| 8.21 |
i) |
To encourage provision, use and improvement,
of a range of leisure and recreation facilities and participation
by all sections of the community; |
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ii) |
To encourage the development and availability
of land and buildings for sports, arts, cultural, entertainment and
social activities; and |
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iii) |
To encourage tourism development that
enhances the Borough's attractions, makes the best use of cultural
resources and opportunities in the Borough and contributes to a high
quality environment. |
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PART 1 POLICIES |
| 8.22 |
Strategic policies for Recreation, Leisure
and Tourism (Policies SR1 and SR2) and reasoned justifications are
set out in Chapter 2 of the Plan. They cover the following matters:- |
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SR1 - Open-Air Leisure and Sporting Activities
SR2 - Arts, Cultural, Entertainment, Tourist and Recreational Activities.
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PART 2 POLICIES |
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Public Open Space (Date of deletion 28th September 2007) |
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R3 |
THE COUNCIL WILL ENCOURAGE
THE FULL USE OF PUBLIC OPEN SPACES BY ALL SECTIONS OF THE COMMUNITY
THROUGH SUPPORTING AND ENCOURAGING PROPOSALS TO IMPROVE THE QUALITY,
ACCESSIBILITY AND VARIETY OF SUCH SPACES AND, WHERE RESOURCES ALLOW,
THROUGH PROVIDING A RANGE OF FACILITIES TO MEET THE VARYING NEEDS
OF EXISTING AND POTENTIAL USERS. WHERE NEW BUILDINGS ARE PROPOSED,
THESE SHOULD BE SMALL IN SCALE AND NEEDED TO SUPPORT OR ENHANCE THE
PROPER FUNCTIONING OF THE OPEN SPACE. |
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| 8.23 |
Public Open Spaces, such as parks and
playing fields, fulfil a number of roles. These include: |
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i) |
providing opportunities for play and recreation,
both formal and informal and outdoor artistic, cultural and entertainment
activities; |
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ii) |
as a haven for plants and wildlife; and |
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iii) |
providing an attractive, landscaped environment,
sometimes with ornamental planting. |
| 8.24 |
The Council aims to ensure all these roles
are fulfilled in the larger parks and will encourage greater use of
parks by publicising them and improving their accessibility, interest
and attractiveness as far as practicable. People visit parks for different
reasons: for some, peace, tranquillity and contact with nature; others
go for team sports, to play or for informal social contact or exercise.
The Borough's parks cater for a diverse range of cultural and recreational
needs and age groups. However, there remains considerable potential
to extend opportunities further. In recent years events such as 'Art
in the Park' have been highly successful. A combination of events,
management, including a potentially broader role for park keepers,
and provision of spaces sensitive to residents' and visitors' recreational
and cultural needs will enable more effective use of the Borough's
open spaces to be made. 'Harrow Arts and Leisure Audit' (1999) recommended
that a Harrow Diary of events and festivals be drawn up. Protecting
and making the best use of parks and open spaces emerged as a key
priority during consultation for Harrow's Cultural Strategy, to be
published later this year. |
| 8.25 |
To enable open spaces to be appreciated
by as many residents as possible, the Council is aware that it must
pay attention to the quality and safety of facilities and to whether
these meet the needs of all the Borough's residents. If a park is
perceived as being unattractive, dangerous or lacking in interest,
people will be deterred from visiting it. The Council is committed
to maintaining and improving the quality, landscaping and safety of
the Borough's public open spaces. Priority will be given to securing
improvements to sites and facilities in areas identified as lacking
public open space. It is acknowledged that the nature and use of a
particular open space may need to change over time, for example, from
football pitches to informal recreational use and back again, if community
open space needs are to be adequately met. (See also Policy
EP46). |
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Outdoor Sports Facilities
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R4 |
THE COUNCIL WILL SEEK
FURTHER PROVISION OF OUTDOOR SPORTS FACILITIES THAT ARE IN LIMITED
SUPPLY BY: |
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A) |
ENCOURAGING PUBLIC AND
PRIVATE RECREATIONAL SCHEMES; AND |
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B) |
WHERE APPROPRIATE, PROVIDING
OUTDOOR SPORTS FACILITIES WHEN LAYING OUT PUBLIC OPEN SPACE. |
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| 8.26 |
There are many Council and privately owned
sports facilities in the Borough, but some are in limited supply due
to restricted opportunities for their use or location. There continues
to be a demand for golf facilities; and of the Borough's five golf
courses, four have some public access. Land requirements for golf
facilities are extensive and future potential sites only likely to
be found in the Green Belt or on Metropolitan Open Land. The Council
will consider providing additional outdoor facilities in parks, including
where new public open space is provided and will support the development
of commercial facilities for outdoor sports where there is no detrimental
effect on the environment or amenity of local residents. Any built
development should be ancillary to outdoor recreational uses. |
| 8.27 |
Quality of playing surfaces for outdoor
sports, particularly for cricket, bowls and tennis, and ancillary
facilities, is as important as their quantity and accessibility. Some
Council-owned tennis courts in the Borough are of poor quality and
hence not used to their full capacity, increasing pressure on courts
elsewhere. The Council seeks the improvement of pitches, courts and
facilities, especially where this would lead to increased opportunities
for sport in areas where there is a shortage of facilities, provided
there is no detrimental effect on the environment or residential amenity.
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Intensive Use Pitches |
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R5 |
THE COUNCIL WILL SUPPORT
PROPOSALS FOR INTENSIVE USE PITCHES AND MULTI USE GAMES AREAS IN ACCESSIBLE
LOCATIONS OTHER THAN IN THE GREEN BELT, PROVIDED THAT NO ADVERSE IMPACT
ON RESIDENTIAL AMENITY OR THE ENVIRONMENT OCCURS. |
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| 8.28 |
Synthetic turf pitches can significantly
extend sporting opportunities and are particularly valuable in areas
where space is limited. Although grass is preferable for many pitch
sports, synthetic playing surfaces sustain much higher levels of use
and are often preferred for tennis, football training, netball and
other outdoor sports. They are the required surface for competitive
hockey. |
| 8.29 |
In 1994, London's regional recreational
strategy 'The Sporting Capital' recommended that a full sized synthetic
floodlit pitch be developed in Harrow. Further consultations with
Sport England indicate a continued need for this. Wealdstone Football
Club's proposals for Prince Edward Playing Fields include an artificial
turf pitch that will be available for community use. Other possible
locations for synthetic pitches include educational sites that can
accommodate community use. |
| 8.30 |
Serving a range of local sports and training
activities, multi-use games areas can reduce the need for people to
travel to larger centres. Sport England advocate the development of
multi use games areas as a way of increasing local sporting opportunities,
particularly where land is in short supply. The Council will support
proposals that have no adverse effects on residential amenity or environmental
quality. |
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Informal Recreation (Date of deletion 28th September 2007) |
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R6 |
THE COUNCIL WILL PROMOTE
INFORMAL RECREATION BY SUPPORTING AND ENCOURAGING PROPOSALS TO IMPROVE
ACCESS TO OPEN SPACES WHILE GIVING HIGH PRIORITY TO NATURE CONSERVATION
AND THE ECOLOGICAL IMPORTANCE OF SUCH SPACES. |
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| 8.31 |
The Council views the Borough's open spaces
as a valuable, largely irreplaceable resource and will endeavour to
enable these to be appreciated by as many people as possible by making
more land accessible to the public; improving the footpath, cyclepath
and bridleway network; developing convenient links to public open
spaces; and providing better information, signposting and public transport
facilities. |
| 8.32 |
The Countryside and Rights of Way Act
2000 creates a new category of highway - restricted byways - carrying
a public right of way on foot, on horseback or leading a horse, and
for vehicles other than mechanically propelled vehicles. Improving
public access to open land will extend opportunities for informal
recreation. At the same time there is a need to protect open space
from damage that may occur from increasing numbers of visitors. Conflicts
can be minimised through sensitive management, where appropriate restricting
access, layout of paths and signposting. As well as promoting walks
and access to the countryside, the Council aims to raise people's
awareness of nature conservation issues and the environment through
educational activities, events, leaflets, guided walks, talks and
other activities. |
| 8.33 |
Residents without access to a car or easy
access to public transport may have limited opportunities for informal
recreation. The Council will, where possible, secure footpath links
across development sites and between residential areas and areas of
public open space, where appropriate, requiring these as an integral
part of new development. |
| 8.34 |
In areas of open space deficiency, improving
the attractiveness of urban spaces and built up areas through, for
example, increasing the amount of greenery; high quality landscaping;
incorporating art into the public realm; and general streetscape enhancements,
can significantly improve environmental quality, thereby supporting
and encouraging informal recreational activities such as walking,
jogging and cycling. The Council will take advantage of opportunities
for environmental enhancement arising through the development process
and other programmes, such as traffic management schemes and street
maintenance work. Priority will be given to enhancing built up areas
lacking in greenery and usable amenity space, through landscaping
and planting, where possible securing temporary use of derelict or
vacant land for amenity and recreational purposes. |
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Footpaths, Cyclepaths
and Bridleways |
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R7 |
THE COUNCIL WILL SEEK
TO IMPROVE, PROTECT AND EXTEND THE NETWORK OF FOOTPATHS, CYCLEPATHS
AND BRIDLEWAYS IN THE BOROUGH. |
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| 8.35 |
Opportunities for informal recreation
can be significantly increased by providing attractive walking and
cycle routes and linking countryside with urban areas. An improved
system of footpaths and bridleways will allow more people to enjoy
the Green Belt. Extending the existing network to create long and
short walks and horse rides will enable the best possible use to be
made of available land. The Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000
requires local authorities to review and publish plans for improving
rights of way in their areas, taking into account the needs of the
public, including disabled people. Changes to the network will be
put on the definitive Rights of Way Map, available for inspection
at the Civic Centre. Separate bridleways and footpath links and clearly
marked cyclepaths will aim to reduce conflicts between horse riders,
walkers and cyclists. Horse riding may be restricted on sensitive
routes where ecological damage might arise. The needs of nature conservation
will be carefully considered before improving public access and use
of the Green Belt and other ecologically sensitive areas. |
| 8.36 |
The Council aims to extend and improve
the footpath and cycle network throughout the Borough. The former
Belmont Railway Line, extending from the Harrow Leisure Centre in
the south to Stanmore in the north, is being developed as a nature
walk with the aim of encouraging natural vegetation and wildlife to
develop, while preserving acceptable public passage. At present public
access is not possible along the total length of the Line, but improvements
are sought to permit complete access along the walk. The assistance
of volunteers under the guidance of Harrow Nature Conservation Forum
in pursuing this is welcome. Extensions of the parkland walk to Gordon
Avenue and through Stanmore Park would provide an almost continuous
route from Wealdstone to the Green Belt and are being sought as suitable
opportunities arise. Yeading Walk is used for public open space and,
when resources allow, improvements will be made to enable access along
the total length of the walkway. The River Pinn is accessible along
part of its length and used by walkers. Improvements to the footpaths
and security of adjacent allotments are required. Public access along
other stretches of the Pinn is to be investigated. |
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Outdoor Water-Based Activities |
| 8.37 |
Harrow has a very limited number of pools
and small lakes and water-based activities are restricted to fishing,
nature study and model boating, where appropriate. Improved public
access to streams and small lakes as well as more general enhancement
of water features and their surroundings would enhance opportunities
for outdoor informal recreation. However, care needs to be taken to
minimise potential conflict between uses. Access may need to be restricted
on some sites for ecological reasons. |
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Play Areas |
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R8 |
THE COUNCIL WILL SEEK,
AND WHERE IT CONSIDERS APPROPRIATE, REQUIRE, THE PROVISION OF EASILY
ACCESSIBLE, SAFE AND INTERESTING PLAY AREAS WITHIN THE BOROUGH. |
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| 8.38 |
In recent years, children's access to
the public realm has become increasingly restricted, due in large
measure to traffic and safety concerns, with arguably deleterious
effects on their health and well-being. Play, physical activity and
independent mobility, essential to a child's social, physical and
psychological development, depend on there being a variety of opportunities,
both formal and informal, for children to play and explore. Where
appropriate, the Council will seek to secure suitably located well-designed
new play areas as an integral part of new development. In particular,
all new developments that include a significant component of family
housing will be expected to make provision for this. However, the
aim should be to provide a child-friendly environment in all new development
and provision of a designated play area should not detract from this
aim. The Council will take into account the scale of development and
the amount of family accommodation in determining the adequacy of
existing play provision and opportunities. |
| 8.39 |
In some parts of the Borough there is
a shortage of children's play areas. Priority will be given to improving
provision through upgrading existing or providing new facilities in
areas with a proven need for such facilities. The quality of play
areas is an important consideration and facilities should be appropriately
designed for their target age group and arrangements made for future
maintenance. Guidance on children's play areas can be obtained from
the National Playing Fields Association. |
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Indoor Sports Facilities (Date of deletion 28th September 2007) |
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R9 |
THE COUNCIL WILL ENCOURAGE
PROPOSALS FOR NEW OR IMPROVED INDOOR SPORTS FACILITIES AT SUITABLE
LOCATIONS WHICH PROMOTE AND IMPROVE THE ACCESSIBILITY, QUALITY AND
RANGE OF FACILITIES AVAILABLE. |
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| 8.40 |
The Council wishes to secure a wide range
of affordable, accessible indoor sports facilities in attractive,
well-located premises and to ensure residents have reasonable access
to these, especially in areas identified as lacking such facilities.
Harrow Leisure Centre is the Borough's major indoor sports facility.
Although extensively refurbished with additional facilities, there
remains a demand for some facilities, such as indoor tennis courts,
that remains unsatisfied. The latter has been identified as a priority
for sports development in the Borough. Due to a lack of suitable sites
opportunities are most likely to arise in conjunction with other development
proposals or through extending existing facilities, such as Harrow
Leisure Centre. |
| 8.41 |
The Council seeks to widen opportunities
for indoor sports through the addition of small-scale locally based
facilities and larger facilities in town centres and would welcome
new commercial leisure development that would help meet demand for
indoor facilities. The preferred location for new indoors 'sports'
facilities is in one of the Borough's town, district and local centres.
However, should suitable sites be unavailable, consideration will
be given to edge of centre sites and sites with good public transport
links. Many of the Borough's sports facilities are privately owned,
although residents have access to some of these. Private organisations
will be encouraged to make facilities available to as many people
as possible. The Council is working with leisure operators to improve
provision. |
| 8.42 |
There is a shortage of suitable locations
for indoor facilities. Smaller facilities, such as snooker centres
are encouraged to locate within built up areas. Larger scale facilities,
such as indoor tennis centres, require bigger sites and due to their
environmental impact, opportunities are limited. The most likely way
further indoor sports facilities can be provided is by making better
use of existing premises, for example, securing dual or multi- use
facilities at schools or by extending premises. This will allow a
more equitable distribution of sports facilities in the Borough. Areas
of deficiency have been identified at Rayners Lane, Hatch End, Roxbourne,
West Pinner and South Stanmore. Further guidance on appropriate locations
is given in Policy SR2. (See policy EP30). |
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Arts, Culture and Entertainment (Date of deletion 28th September 2007) |
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R10 |
PROVISION OF FACILITIES
TO SUSTAIN AND ENHANCE ENTERTAINMENT, LEISURE, ARTS AND CULTURAL ACTIVITIES
WITHIN THE BOROUGH WILL BE ENCOURAGED. |
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| 8.43 |
Many people take part in, and benefit
from, entertainment, leisure, arts and cultural activities in Harrow.
These activities can contribute to wider planning goals, enhance the
local economy, provide opportunities for employment and social participation
and add to the vitality of town centres. Opportunities for going to
the theatre or taking part in musical or theatrical performances in
the Borough, whether on an amateur or professional basis, could be
improved, for the benefit of visitors, residents and performers alike.
The Council would welcome proposals for a purpose built theatre/performance
space or improvements/extensions to existing facilities. Promotion
of arts and culture can also be a way of increasing civic pride and
attracting tourism. The Council will, therefore, support proposals
to increase arts, entertainment and cultural facilities within the
Borough provided these comply with other policies in this Plan. The
Council recognises the need to work with the community, voluntary,
commercial sectors and other authorities to improve access to arts
and leisure opportunities for all the Borough's residents. |
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Protecting Arts, Culture,
Entertainment and Leisure Facilities |
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R11 |
THE COUNCIL WILL RESIST
THE LOSS OF ARTS, CULTURAL, ENTERTAINMENT OR LEISURE FACILITIES THROUGH
REDEVELOPMENT OR CHANGE OF USE IN SUSTAINABLE LOCATIONS OR AREAS IDENTIFIED
TO BE DEFICIENT UNLESS AN APPROPRIATE REPLACEMENT FACILITY IS OFFERED. |
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| 8.44 |
Identifying new sites for arts, culture,
entertainment and leisure facilities to cater for community needs
in the future may lead to development pressures on open land for sufficient
land and recreational open space. These pressures may be in out-of-town
locations which are inaccessible, inconvenient and unsustainable.
For this reason, the Council will require any existing redundant sites
to be retained for replacement with other similar recreational functions. |
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Change of Use Above
Ground Floor Level to Arts, Culture, Entertainment and Leisure (Date of deletion 28th September 2007) |
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R12 |
CHANGES OF USE TO ARTS,
CULTURAL, ENTERTAINMENT AND LEISURE USES ABOVE GROUND FLOOR LEVEL
WILL BE PERMITTED, PROVIDED THEY DO NOT RESULT IN THE LOSS OF RESIDENTIAL
ACCOMMODATION OR HAVE AN ADVERSE EFFECT ON RESIDENTIAL AMENITY OR
ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY. |
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| 8.45 |
The Council will consider favourably applications
for changes of use to leisure above ground floor provided there is
no loss of residential accommodation and the proposed use would not
cause a nuisance to residents in the locality. This is in order to
promote the provision of arts, cultural, leisure and entertainment
facilities in town centres and to encourage activity in commercial
areas outside business hours, while protecting the amenity of residents
whose presence also contributes to the vitality of the town centre.
Proposals that utilise part of the ground floor of premises, while
retaining the frontage as retail may be considered, where there is
an identified need for such a facility and this would enhance the
interest and diversity of the locality (See Policies SEM2
and EM5 in Chapters 2 and 7 respectively). |
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Leisure Facilities |
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R13 |
THE COUNCIL WILL ENCOURAGE
DUAL AND MULTI-PURPOSE USE OF NEW AND EXISTING PUBLIC AND PRIVATE
RECREATION FACILITIES AND WILL UNDERTAKE MODIFICATIONS TO COUNCIL
PREMISES AS RESOURCES PERMIT TO IMPROVE THEIR POTENTIAL FOR DUAL AND
MULTI PURPOSE RECREATIONAL USE, PROVIDED THERE IS NO UNACCEPTABLE
IMPACT ON THE ENVIRONMENT OR RESIDENTIAL AMENITY. RECREATIONAL AND
CULTURAL FACILITIES IN NEW SCHOOL DEVELOPMENTS SHOULD BE DESIGNED
TO ENABLE DUAL USE OF FACILITIES AND COMMUNITY ACCESS. |
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| 8.46 |
Since resources are scarce and opportunities
for new development limited, it is important that the best possible
use is made of new and existing facilities. Rather than merely providing
and accommodating separate facilities, the most effective use of available
resources will be sought. One way of doing this is to ensure new or
existing premises in the Borough are capable of dual and multi purpose
use. |
| 8.47 |
It can be difficult to introduce or extend
dual and multi purpose use in premises not specifically designed for
such purposes. Considerable resources may be needed to carry out physical
improvements or extensions to existing premises, while varying the
use of facilities may entail additional supervision and management
costs. Purpose built multi-use facilities can accommodate a greater
range of activities with less demand on resources, than dual or single
use premises as they are more adaptable and require less land than
equivalent facilities provided separately. |
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Tourism (Date of deletion 28th September 2007) |
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R14 |
THE COUNCIL WILL ENCOURAGE
THE DEVELOPMENT AND IMPROVEMENT OF TOURIST RELATED ATTRACTIONS AND
FACILITIES, PROVIDED THERE IS NO UNACCEPTABLE IMPACT ON THE ENVIRONMENT
OR RESIDENTIAL AMENITY. PREFERENCE WILL BE GIVEN TO PROPOSALS FOR
TOURIST FACILITIES THAT ALSO MEET LOCAL CULTURAL AND RECREATIONAL
NEEDS. |
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| 8.48 |
As a Borough with an internationally known
name, a favourable image and excellent transport links with Central
London, Harrow has considerable potential to become a greater attraction
to visitors and tourists. The Borough contains many parks and open
spaces, the well-known landmark of Harrow on the Hill and has good
access to wooded and attractive countryside. Attractions include Headstone
Manor Museum and Heritage Centre, Elliott Hall Arts Centre, historic
Pinner High Street, Grimsdyke, the Leisure Centre, Harrow School,
the St George's and St Ann's Centres and interesting historic buildings
and monuments. The Council and its partners have set up a Tourism
Focus Group to promote tourism in the Borough. |
| 8.49 |
The Council wishes to encourage tourism
that does not harm the environment or residential amenity and can
be maintained in the long term. Proposals that enable land and buildings
to be used for the benefit of both visitors and residents are especially
welcome. To maintain the quality of the environment, preference will
be given to proposals that prioritise access by non-car modes and
enable facilities to be easily reached by bicycle, on foot and by
public transport. Growing interest in and awareness of the environment,
increased participation in leisure and informal recreation and the
presence of attractive countryside in the Borough offer potential
for the development of 'Green Tourism' and alternative holiday opportunities,
and short breaks. Such proposals would encourage people to explore
the local environment on foot, by bicycle or horseback, and would
encourage the creation of facilities that integrate walking with cycling
or travel by bus and rail as part of the experience. While encouraging
large numbers of visitors to parts of Harrow would not be desirable,
visitor management schemes can increase the capacity of destinations
while protecting the environment. |
| 8.50 |
Scope for building new tourist related
attractions in the Borough is limited. To make the best use of resources
and to widen the cultural and recreational opportunities available
to local people, flexibility will be sought. This might entail the
re-use of buildings, innovative combinations of uses or facilities
designed to be adaptable and able to accommodate different activities
in future, should the need arise. Extension and improvement of existing
facilities and provision of new facilities in suitable locations will
be encouraged. Where the Local Planning Authority considers appropriate,
it may negotiate a Planning Obligation or agreement with the developer
or use conditions to secure public use of facilities. |
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Hotels and Guest Houses |
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R15 |
THE COUNCIL WILL ENCOURAGE
THE PROVISION OF A RANGE OF HOTEL AND GUEST ACCOMMODATION BY:- |
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A) |
RETAINING THE EXISTING
HOTEL AND GUEST HOUSE STOCK WHERE PRACTICABLE AND, WHERE APPROPRIATE,
ENCOURAGING ITS IMPROVEMENT; |
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B) |
SUPPORTING THE DEVELOPMENT
OF LARGE, HIGH QUALITY PURPOSE-BUILT HOTEL ACCOMMODATION WITH CONFERENCE
AND BANQUETING FACILITIES IN APPROPRIATE, ACCESSIBLE TOWN CENTRE LOCATIONS;
AND |
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C) |
SUPPORTING THE DEVELOPMENT
OF SMALLER HOTELS IN APPROPRIATE LOCATIONS, PREFERABLY TOWN CENTRES,
OR ON SECONDARY ROADS CLOSE TO TOWN CENTRES, ALTHOUGH CONSIDERATION
WILL ALSO BE GIVEN TO SUITABLE SITES AND AREAS WELL SERVED BY PUBLIC
TRANSPORT. |
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PROPOSALS FOR REDEVELOPMENT
OR CONVERSION SHOULD RESPECT THE CHARACTER, AMENITY AND ENVIRONMENT
OF THE LOCALITY. |
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| 8.51 |
The present trend of increasing numbers
of tourists visiting London is likely to continue, increasing pressure
on Central London hotels and creating demand for more overnight accommodation.
A growing role has been identified for outer London Boroughs, such
as Harrow, in providing for this extra demand. |
| 8.52 |
Visitors to Harrow include business visitors,
who may be visiting local firms, domestic visitors on a short break
visiting family or friends; budget tourists seeking a base to explore
London as a whole; and overseas visitors with specific interests.
There is a shortage of budget accommodation across London. |
| 8.53 |
Demand for hotel accommodation in the
Borough exceeds supply. Proximity to Wembley, with the redevelopment
of a national stadium, is likely to increase this demand, placing
stress on existing facilities, although tourism benefits may be considerable.
If the Borough is to make the best of its potential for attracting
visitors more overnight accommodation will need to be provided. Larger
hotels should normally be located in Harrow Town Centre or District
Centres. Where suitable town centre sites are unavailable, consideration
should be given first to edge of centre sites and then to out of centre,
non residential locations with good public transport links. |
| 8.54 |
Business men and women staying in the
area are important to the Borough's economy, particularly those visiting
local firms. However, quality is an important factor influencing choice
of destination for business. There is a need for a purpose built hotel
with conference and meeting facilities and more middle-range accommodation.
This would be welcomed by the business community. Proposals to increase
or improve the supply and range of overnight accommodation will be
welcome provided there is no adverse impact on environmental quality
or residential amenity. |
| 8.55 |
Opportunities to increase the supply of
hotels may arise through redevelopment or change of use. Development
involving a change of use and/or redevelopment of dwellings to provide
hotels and guest houses can significantly alter the character of an
area, through introducing a commercial use into a residential area:
visually, through provision and siting of name boards and large hard
surfaced areas; socially, by attracting a transient population; and
environmentally, through increased traffic. Further guidance on conversion
or redevelopment of dwellings can be found in Chapter 6 - Housing. |
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