Sunderland City Council - Unitary Development Plan

Chapter 7 - Community Facilities

7.1

The topics of education, health and other community facilities are linked because they involve similar issues as a result of the substantial public sector involvement in their finance and management. Although predominantly people related, these services have important planning implications within the framework of the UDP in terms of their sometimes substantial land and buildings requirements for existing and future communities. In addition, it is a statutory responsibility of the UDP, to take account of the relationship of planning policies to social needs and problems, including their likely impact on different groups in the population, especially on disadvantaged people.

7.2

Disadvantaged people are all those whose access to facilities is restricted due to discrimination, poverty or both. Groups disadvantaged for various reasons include elderly people, people with disabilities, ethnic minorities, women, people with young children, young people, the unemployed and those on low incomes.

NATIONAL POLICY GUIDANCE

7.3

As most of the matters dealt with in this chapter are provided directly for the benefit of the local residents, they tend to be of predominantly local significance. Consequently, they have not been referred to in the Government's Strategic Planning Guidance. Some of the facilities, however, such as the University of Sunderland, and the Sunderland Royal Hospital, have an influence extending well beyond the boundaries of the City of Sunderland.

7.4

Nationally, recent legislative changes have altered the administrative organisation of many public bodies, the Education and Health Sectors in particular. Decisions on the future development of these services are now more likely to be taken by Central Government on the basis of proposals initiated by separate institutions, rather than by a local co-ordinating authority, making future land use and building needs more difficult to predict.

7.5

Recent Central Government initiatives which are likely to have implications in more than one topic area include the Care in the Community programme, the Children Act 1989 and changes in the role of local government as a provider of services. As a result of the Care in the Community initiative, responsibility for many adults with learning difficulties, and also adults with mental health problems, is being transferred from health authorities to local authorities, where both Housing and Social Services Departments are involved. There is also an increasing trend towards partnership arrangements between local authorities and voluntary agencies. As the role of the local authority as a provider of services changes, (along with changes to the way services are delivered) some facilities are becoming surplus to requirements or are being transferred to the private and voluntary sectors.

7.6

In general, the UDP seeks to ensure that the City's residents have access to an appropriate range of community, health and education services in order to provide for their needs. In particular, it will be necessary to ensure that where new housing developments are built, they either support existing facilities, or else additional provision is made at the earliest opportunity to ensure that no one is disadvantaged by a lack of access to these services.

EDUCATION

7.7

The Council seeks to enable the development of an effective system of pre-school, school, college and community education, so as to secure the personal development and fulfilment of all members of the community. Learning is a life-long process accessible to all and based on parity of esteem. Efforts to make the most effective use of resources, to develop and extend pre-school provision and to secure greater participation in education after statutory schooling will continue; as will the provision of other education services which promote links with industry, urban regeneration and employment.

7.8

Sunderland's population is relatively more youthful than England and Wales generally. In 1991, 14.8% of the City's population was between 5-15 years old, whereas the equivalent figure for England and Wales was 13.4% (See Chapter 2 OPCS. Mid Year Estimates). The City also has proportionately more pre-school and school age children than Tyne and Wear as a whole, although there are significant variations between different parts of the City.

7.9

The present structure of educational provision is based on a three tier system with primary schools for pupils aged 4+ to 10+ years (supplemented by nursery facilities), secondary schools providing for pupils aged 11-16 (except RC schools which provide for 11-18 years). Tertiary colleges for students of 16+ years and the University, provide for further and higher education. No schools have opted out of the control of the Local Education Authority. The City also contains 7 private schools.

7.10

Nursery Education is provided in 11 nursery schools and 42 nursery classes at infant or primary schools (Education Dept. Jan. 1995). National research evidence seems to demonstrate that nursery education can be particularly effective in enhancing a child's chances of benefiting from subsequent schooling. For this reason, the Local Education Authority provides every eligible child, whose parents wish it, with a ½ time place in a high quality education setting - normally in a nursery class or nursery school.

7.11

In order to eliminate unnecessary surplus places, the Education Department has undertaken an ongoing review of primary and secondary accommodation. Superficially, data returned from the Department for Education and Employment (DfEE) suggests that among schools in Sunderland with surplus places, about 1 primary place in 5 is surplus and just over 1 secondary place in 7 is surplus. However this does not take into account the over-capacity of some schools and should also be qualified by the fact that overall, primary and secondary rolls are set to rise over the next few years.

7.12

The Sunderland Education Authority provides for special needs education with medical and nursing support by the Sunderland Health Commission and operated by City Hospitals Sunderland. Provision is made either in ordinary schools, in special units attached to those schools or in special schools. A comprehensive review of provision for special educational needs has been undertaken. In addition, a private school provides services for autistic children

7.13

The City of Sunderland College provides tertiary education facilities and is undertaking a rationalisation of its premises to focus provision on four centres - Bede, Redcar Road, Shiney Row and a new development south of the Galleries at Washington Town Centre. These services are currently supplemented by Gateshead College, in the form of the Washington Business College at Coniston House in Washington Town Centre. In addition, Sunderland City TEC has 5,500 training places in a variety of locations; many are workplace based but there are a significant number of dedicated training centres.

7.14

In addition to the service they provide to the post 16 age group, the Tertiary Colleges continue to provide the main focus for further education and vocational training for all ages and fulfil a significant role in the provision of Adult Education along with the University.

HEALTH AND SOCIAL SERVICES

7.15

As in the field of Education, recent legislation has altered the administrative organisation of the Health Service in such a way that future land requirements are less easily determined. Locally however, the Health Commission have indicated in consultative documents the way in which it expects to make future provision for its service, although decisions still need to be taken regarding precise requirements and details of site usage. Outside the National Health Service, recent years have seen the provision of a private hospital in Washington and, as mentioned previously, a large number of private nursing homes (See Paragraph 5.82). Another recent trend has been for the establishment of doctors' surgeries independent of NHS Health Centres. Additionally, the effect of the Care in the Community programme is to move the boundaries of responsibility for those being cared for from the Health Authority to the Local Authority's Social Services Department. Thus planning for provision in an ever changing policy context has become increasingly difficult.

7.16

The Health authorities draw attention to the fact that the need for health care facilities can be minimised by the successful implementation of other policies in the Plan, such as the promotion of recreational activities which reduce the incidence of heart diseases, and traffic calming and safety measures which reduce the number of accidents. In addition, measures which encourage people to minimise their use of private cars could contribute to less pollution and promote a healthier lifestyle. The City will continue to liaise closely with the Health Commission in seeking ways to improve the health of the community and in implementing the 1992 'Health of the Nation' report through the City Council's Healthy City Strategy.

7.17

Demographically (See Chapter 2), the main feature likely to affect the provision of health care is the rise in the numbers of older people, particularly those over the age of 85. This is expected to continue at least until the end of the century.

OTHER COMMUNITY SERVICES

7.18

This section covers a wide range of activities which are provided in the main by the public sector, to serve the needs of residents. The City Council is responsible for community centres, libraries and (jointly with other districts) the museums. It shares responsibility with adjoining authorities and Central Government for the Police, Probation, Magistrates Courts and other emergency services. Central Government provides social security offices, job centres and income tax offices to serve the community. Religious and voluntary organisations provide additional community services outside the public sector.

Community Associations

7.19

Many Community associations are based in ageing buildings, some of which are not well located in relation to the residents most in need. Resources for the development of this service, however, are extremely limited with no finance for further developments at present unless associated with grants from the Single Regeneration Budget (SRB). It is now intended to focus support onto six multi-use facilities and a further 16 community associations which would be assisted through service level agreements. The remaining 24 community associations will have to be self supporting. It is anticipated that in future, community facilities are more likely to be provided through the re-use of surplus school accommodation, or possibly in association with other community or recreational facilities. Appropriate schemes may need to seek finance through bids for National Lottery funding.

7.19

Libraries, Museums and Art Galleries

7.20

Whilst these have an important role in the provision of leisure services, they are considered in this chapter because of their importance to the community as an information and educational resource.

7.21

Twenty branch libraries serve the City, supplemented by a mobile service and special facilities for the housebound, the hospitals and the schools. The new City Library and Arts Centre on Fawcett Street and associated community workshop facilities are a regional centre of excellence, for the display of contemporary arts and crafts. Two floors house the library facilities, providing 80% more space than the previous library building. This has enabled the Museum to expand at its present location. Extensions to the existing network of branch libraries are needed with priority being given to new provision at South Hylton, and the East End. As part of the Education and Community Services review of libraries and community associations, combined library and community facilities are being promoted at Doxford Park and at Concord in Washington (The Millennium Centre). All other branch libraries, with the exception of Washington Town Centre, could benefit from extensions to increase the range and flexibility of services offered to the public. Many existing facilities see the need to develop further their particular service, especially where related to leisure/tourism, though they tend to be restrained by lack of finance. The opportunity to incorporate Library and Information Services into buildings planned by other providers of community services would be welcomed.

7.22

The Tyne and Wear Museum Service manages the Sunderland Museum and Art Gallery, Monkwearmouth Station Museum, Grindon Museum and Washington 'F' Pit. Other facilities in the City include the Bowes Railway at Springwell, Ryhope Pumping Station, North East Aircraft Museum, the Northern Centre for Contemporary Arts, the Reg Vardy Gallery (in Sunderland University) and the new National Glass Centre. Possible developments include a Museum of the River Wear, and a Transport Museum for the North East. A Museum of Mining has been suggested in the premises occupied by the Mines Rescue Centre at Gillas Lane if this facility were to become surplus to requirements, or the artefacts could be preserved in a new location.

Police and Emergency Services

7.23

The Northumbria Police are undertaking a review of their management and operational requirements to establish their needs/priorities up to the end of the century. Following the completion of the police station at Southwick, it is unlikely that there will be any further major developments in the City during the Plan period. In addition, the redevelopment of the North Dock has enabled the replacement of the Marine Division offices. There is however, pressure on office space in the Central Police Station at Gill Bridge Avenue, which also suffers from a shortage of parking. This situation could be eased by the administrative amalgamations of the North and South Sunderland sub-divisions.

7.24

The Tyne and Wear Fire Brigade have recently rebuilt the Sunderland Central Fire Station and East Division Headquarters at Railway Row. The former premises in High Street West fall within a proposed redevelopment site. The remainder of the City is covered by fire stations at Fulwell, Grindon, Silksworth and Washington. The Houghton-Hetton area was originally served by a fire station at Fence Houses, which is now under the operational control of Durham County Fire Brigade. In addition, a Fire Brigade Headquarters and Training Complex has been established on a site adjacent to Nissan at Barmston. The Ambulance service operates from Washington, Herrington Burn, South Ryhope and Pallion. The Royal National Lifeboat Institute operates a maritime rescue service from a base at the harbour entrance, and during the summer months, an inshore rescue service operates from Roker Beach.

Central Government

7.25

The main interface of Central Government with the local community is through job centres and the network of local social security, unemployment benefit and local tax offices. No further developments have been notified other than that which may result from Central Government decentralisation policy, although this is doubtful because of further Government reduction in staffing levels.

7.26

The only other Central Government activities with land use requirements are defence, which has existing facilities for the Territorial Army Volunteer Reserve in Dykelands Road. A similar size site may also be required south of the River. Army and Air Force Cadets have recently been relocated from premises in Hope Street to Railway Row and Tay Road respectively, and no further developments are currently anticipated. It is intended to construct a new Magistrates Court in Washington, which will provide administrative facilities for the western part of the City, and supplement provision at the existing courts in Houghton-Le-Spring.

Religious and Voluntary Groups

7.27

In addition to their own need of premises for worship, these organisations provide numerous facilities which complement local authority provision and provide scope for a wide variety of community activities. There may be a need for further provision for people from ethnic minorities in this field. In addition, major housing developments may need to include facilities of this type to serve the local population. However, in parts of inner Sunderland there are problems of over provision of Churches as many are under utilised; this may create a need to consider alternative uses for these buildings.

STRATEGY FOR COMMUNITY FACILITIES

7.28

The main components of the strategy have been determined as:

access to education, health and community facilities;
The replacement of old and sub-standard premises along with provision of new facilities in appropriate locations;
the continuing development of Sunderland University.

There are many close relationships between these components. For example the dual use of school, library and community association resources can create opportunities for the provision of other community facilities. This will also help to make the best use of scarce resources. In addition, community facilities which are found to be surplus to one activity, can be redeployed for another necessary community use. The strategy seeks to provide an integrated context for these issues. Whilst the Plan, as a land use document, promotes the physical accessibility of services to all members of the community, in doing so it promotes the Council's corporate strategy of increasing choice, promoting awareness and enhancing opportunities for all residents.

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POLICIES

General
CF1
THE CITY COUNCIL WILL SEEK TO ENSURE THAT LAND AND BUILDINGS ARE MADE AVAILABLE TO ENABLE THE CITY COUNCIL, OTHER PUBLIC BODIES AND STATUTORY UNDERTAKERS TO CARRY OUT THEIR RESPONSIBILITIES. WHEREVER POSSIBLE, SPECIFIC SITES WILL BE IDENTIFIED IN PART II OF THE PLAN.

7.29

This policy relates to the land and building requirements of public bodies, Council Departments, and Statutory Undertakers. As these bodies provide essential services, consideration must be given to their land, buildings and access requirements in order that their responsibilities can be carried out satisfactorily. When considering the needs of these facility providers, consideration will be given to the environmental and transportation effects of any proposals.

7.30

Current legislative changes have, however, altered the administrative organisation of many public bodies, which means that future land requirements are less easy to predict. In the Education system, falling rolls in some areas, coupled with ageing school buildings and Department for Education and Employment (DfEE) capacity requirements, have resulted in the need to replace or relocate schools (See T1,EN10 and Para. 7.3-to-7.6). Where needs have been identified, sites have been reserved for those future uses. Temporary interim uses will be expected to achieve the continuing productive use of land.

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CF2
WHERE LAND OR BUILDINGS CURRENTLY IN COMMUNITY USE BECOME SURPLUS TO REQUIREMENTS, PRIORITY WILL BE GIVEN TO ALTERNATIVE PUBLIC/COMMUNITY USES UNLESS THE SITE IS IDENTIFIED FOR REDEVELOPMENT IN ACCORDANCE WITH ANOTHER PROPOSAL OF THE PLAN. OTHERWISE THE PROVISIONS OF POLICY EN10 WOULD APPLY.

7.31

The City Council has a responsibility to provide sites for public community uses. This policy seeks to ensure that the opportunity for such necessary provision is not lost when a site becomes surplus to one particular user. Often, redundant educational or health service sites can be utilised to provide another local community facility; therefore this policy is needed to ensure that such sites stay a community resource, although due regard will be given to the economic implications.

7.32

Promoting increased awareness and use of facilities as well as giving priority to areas of the City where needs and demands are greatest will make the best use of limited buildings and land resources. This policy will help to improve the overall quality of life for Sunderland residents, whilst assisting in the process of urban regeneration. Potential users of surplus sites will be advised of their availability before any decision for their re-use or redevelopment is taken. Owners of land and premises which become surplus to their existing community use will be requested to provide evidence of attempts to find alternative community uses prior to seeking permission for re-development or change of use.

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CF3
THE CITY COUNCIL WILL ALLOCATE SITES FOR USE BY OTHER PUBLIC BODIES WHERE THEY HAVE MADE A CLEAR COMMITMENT TO THE DEVELOPMENT. THESE SITES WILL BE PROTECTED FROM OTHER PROPOSALS UNLESS OF AN INTERIM NATURE.

7.33

This Policy relates to the land and building requirements of public bodies which perform necessary and statutory duties. Future planning of land cannot always be matched by the availability or programming of finance; it is likely that problems can therefore arise when land cannot be acquired in advance of requirements. It is often difficult to obtain from public authorities a sufficiently clear commitment to their land requirements to permit sites to be allocated within the UDP time scale especially where the authorities are subject to changes in Central Government policy. Interim treatment or uses may be needed to ensure that the land is kept in use and not left as an eyesore. In the meantime, there will be a presumption against any other development proposal.

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Education
CF4
PROVISION FOR NURSERY EDUCATION WILL BE MADE, SO FAR AS POSSIBLE, WITHIN SURPLUS ACCOMMODATION AT EXISTING SCHOOLS, OR IN NEW PREMISES ON EXISTING SCHOOL SITES WHERE SUFFICIENT LAND IS AVAILABLE. DEVELOPMENT OF NURSERIES OUTSIDE EXISTING SCHOOLS WILL BE ALLOWED WHERE THEIR IMPACT ON THE AMENITIES OF THE NEIGHBOURING AREA IS ACCEPTABLE AND THE TRAFFIC GENERATED CAN BE SAFELY ACCOMMODATED.

7.34

Nursery places are provided by the Education Department and this provision is supplemented by a number of private nursery schools as well as day care centres provided by the Social Services Department and privately provided crèches. Other forms of child care facility do not necessarily provide nursery education, but give support to parents who would not otherwise be able to work. Education and Social Services Departments work together to co-ordinate the overall provision of facilities to meet the obligations of the Children Act 1989. (Education Department Nov. 1994 - Education Planning and Information Service).

7.35

Existing School sites are recognised as providing the best locations for nursery provision in terms of convenience to parents and the benefits provided by adjacent school facilities. In addition the provision of nursery facilities (See 7.10) can help to alleviate problems of surplus space in existing schools; so maximising the efficient use of educational resources. Considerable progress has been and continues to be made in the provision of nursery education places for pre-school children, reflecting the high priority which the City Council places on achieving its objectives.

7.36

Nurseries provided as part of the City's commitment to a comprehensive nursery education system will normally be located first in areas where social and economic conditions are least favourable. All eligible children who would subsequently join reception classes can now have a part time nursery place for three terms. Outside the public sector, the next decade may see an increase in the demand for private nursery and child care facilities, with particular emphasis on workplace provision.

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CF5
PRIMARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION NEEDS WILL BE ACCOMMODATED PRIMARILY ON EXISTING SITES OR THOSE IDENTIFIED IN PART II OF THIS PLAN, AND ON OTHER SITES PROVIDED THAT THEIR IMPACT ON THE AMENITY OF THE NEIGHBOURHOOD IS ACCEPTABLE AND THE TRAFFIC GENERATED CAN BE SAFELY ACCOMMODATED.

7.37

This policy seeks to ensure that the supply of school buildings together with support infrastructure is sufficient to meet local needs and also that the conditions of buildings and educational facilities is compatible with current and future requirements. Priority will be given to the improvement or replacement of sub-standard schools according to decisions taken by the Education Committee, in consultation with the local community.

7.38

The existing and projected enrolments for primary and secondary schools demonstrate the radical decline in school population, at primary level in the early eighties and, inevitably, in the later eighties for the secondary sector. Rolls are however, expected to rise in all areas of the City, in both the primary and secondary sectors in the latter part of the 1990's, except in Washington. Within the secondary sector in particular, Sunderland South and Houghton-Hetton could be short of secondary places by the turn of the Century (Education Department 1994 - Education Planning and Information Service).

7.39

The Education Committee has responded by progressively reviewing the provision made in the four different areas of the City. It has an ongoing programme of proposals to reduce the level of surplus accommodation by a variety of means, ranging from complete closures and amalgamations to re-using surplus rooms for non-educational purposes. In addition the Council intends, either as part of the above scheme or independently, to replace sub-standard school buildings, with priority given to those built over eighty years ago, as and when resources permit. There is also the ongoing responsibility to ensure that adequate educational provision is available to take account of new housing developments. This policy will support the efficient and sustainable use of existing premises and infrastructure thus helping to reduce the effects of surplus accommodation. Where possible, a limited number of new sites are allocated in the Part II area proposals.

7.40

The need for new educational sites in addition to those already identified by the plan may arise through revised needs being established by the Council's Education Committee or through new proposals from the private education sector. It is important that this plan takes these possibilities into account and allows for such development, whilst fully considering the impact of the amenity of the neighbourhood and the amount of traffic which will be generated.

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CF6
IF ADDITIONAL ACCOMMODATION IS REQUIRED FOR THE 16-19 YEAR OLD FURTHER EDUCATION SECTOR, CONSIDERATION SHOULD FIRST BE GIVEN TO THE USE OF SURPLUS PREMISES IN THE CONTROL OF EITHER THE LOCAL EDUCATION AUTHORITY, UNIVERSITY OF SUNDERLAND OR OTHER PUBLIC AUTHORITIES. IF NO SUITABLE ACCOMMODATION IS AVAILABLE FROM THESE SOURCES CONSIDERATION WILL BE GIVEN TO NEW SITES.

7.41

The participation rate of school leavers continuing in higher education is increasing rapidly but is still well below the national level (See Table 7.1).

Table 7.1 : Participation Rate of School Leavers

	1991	1992	1993	1994
National	60.66%	64.97%	68.00%	N/A
Regional	50.57%	53.70%	56.20%	56.30%
Local	42.77%	47.50%	48.60%	50.30%

Source : Education Department 1994/5

7.42

The City Council supports the continued development of tertiary education within the City, and will assist in making land and premises available for this use. However, in the interests of efficiency and maximisation of resources, such provision should be made wherever possible in premises already in the control of educational or other public agencies. The City of Sunderland College is consolidating its activities onto four sites, at the Bede Centre, Redcar Road, Shiney Row College and the proposed Washington College. Further development of the TEC training facilities, and any further rapid increase in the proportion of people involved in further education and training, will necessitate that the requirements for land and premises are kept under review throughout the Plan Period.

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CF7
THE CITY COUNCIL WILL ASSIST THE UNIVERSITY OF SUNDERLAND TO SECURE THE IMPLEMENTATION OF ITS PROPOSALS TO CONSOLIDATE ITS EDUCATIONAL ACTIVITIES ONTO TWO CAMPUSES (IDENTIFIED IN PART II) AND TO PROVIDE AN ADEQUATE LEVEL OF STUDENTS' RESIDENTIAL ACCOMMODATION TO MEET THE NEEDS IDENTIFIED IN ITS DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME.

7.43

The University of Sunderland provides education, training, research and consultancy services in response to local, regional, national and international needs and opportunities. The total number of students in (1995/6) stood at 15,886 of which 10,598 were full-time students. 20% of full-time students and a significant proportion of part-time students are drawn from the City of Sunderland itself. It is forecast that total numbers could reach 20,000 by the year 2004/5. The University's turnover for 1995 was £56.7m which together with the spending on new capital projects and student's spending represents a major input into the local economy.

7.44

The University, which in addition to its two main campuses occupies a number of dispersed buildings, particularly to the South of the City Centre has a long-term objective to concentrate its principal activities onto these two main campuses - Chester Road, in the centre of the City, and the St. Peters site. At the latter, phases I and II are now complete and in use providing state of the art learning facilities for over 4,000 business, computing and information systems students as well as advanced information systems and conferencing facilities. These developments have helped the University play a growing part in the cultural and economic renaissance of the area and of the City as a whole. The University, through its many partnerships, in particular the City of Sunderland Partnership, plans to continue and deepen its involvement as a key player in the life of the City. The University's Industry Centre located at Hylton Riverside (Enterprise Park West) provides the focus for its work with local business and industry.

7.45

The City Council supports the University's aim to provide accommodation for all first year students who require it (See H9). As a result of recent developments, over 2,300 residential places can now be offered, with another 730 under the University Housing Scheme. Award winning developments at The Forge and Pann's Bank together with refurbished accommodation at Peacock Street is helping to meet the accommodation needs of its students and has provided facilities which are attractive both to students and conference visitors. The Council also recognises the role that other private sector provision can make in meeting the demands for student housing and will seek to continue working closely with the University and other providers of student accommodation.

7.46

The University is working closely with its partners to ensure that all developments are consistent with its pioneering commitment to the environment. This commitment is embodied in an Environmental Policy Statement supported by a comprehensive plan with measurable targets, its Transport Policy which encourages staff and students to use public transport and in its policies on purchasing and water and energy utilisation. In enhancing the environs of its Chester Road campus account needs to be taken of increased levels of activity there and the Council and University will investigate strategies having regard to the needs of pedestrians, cycle traffic and use of integrated public transport. It will also be necessary to take into account the need to minimise trip generation and to ensure that schemes can be successfully integrated into the community. The continuing steady growth of the University will require a constant reappraisal of its landholdings to ensure that the extent and standard of accommodation can be maintained to satisfy increasing student numbers and the range of academic and research activities. If land in the vicinity of the Chester Road and St. Peter's Campus becomes vacant it would be well located to assist the University in meeting its accommodation requirements.

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CF8
IN ALL EDUCATIONAL DEVELOPMENTS, THE CITY COUNCIL WILL ENCOURAGE THE PROVISION OF FACILITIES TO ENABLE THE WIDER COMMUNITY USE OF BOTH LAND AND BUILDINGS WITHOUT PREJUDICING EDUCATIONAL INTERESTS, WHERE THEIR IMPACT ON THE AMENITIES OF THE NEIGHBOURING AREA IS ACCEPTABLE AND THE TRAFFIC GENERATED CAN BE SAFELY ACCOMMODATED.

7.47

The policy supports the Council's aim of promoting the dual use for community activities of both new and existing schools. School sites are ideal for community provision in terms of ease of access to catchment populations. This dual use of resources can help to alleviate problems of surplus space at existing schools, yet complement facilities already provided there (See CF1, CF2). It will maximise the use of existing resources and increase public access to recreational facilities thereby providing for maximum community involvement in the development of schools. Recent innovations which support dual use of schools include the development of 'Aim High' Centres at schools in the City Challenge area. The role of these centres is to provide resources for personal development in leisure and education. In addition there are the proposed 'All Age' room at South Hylton School and the Oxclose Community School as well as the general use of schools for adult education. This will be implemented by directing development to existing sites where surplus accommodation is available. Local management of schools will require that the Heads and Governing bodies will need to take the initiative in promoting the school's use and possibly in seeking funding from non-educational sources e.g. Sports Council. This policy is complementary to policies L2 and L4 in the Leisure section.

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Health
CF9
THE CITY COUNCIL WILL SUPPORT PROPOSALS TO IMPLEMENT THE HEALTH AUTHORITY'S STRATEGIC PLAN WHICH
(i)	CONCENTRATES HOSPITAL PROVISION AT THE SUNDERLAND ROYAL HOSPITAL;
(ii)	PROVIDES ADDITIONAL LOCAL COMMUNITY HEALTH AND PSYCHIATRIC SERVICES IN FOUR LOCATIONS THROUGHOUT THE CITY AND;
(iii)	PROVIDES FOR LONG TERM REHABILITATION CARE IN A NEW UNIT IN SOUTHERN SUNDERLAND. SITES ARE SHOWN IN PART II.

7.48

In 1990 the Health Authority commissioned a Hospital Review study to provide a strategic vision for the 21st Century of the most effective and efficient configuration of hospital based services. The outcome of the Study was that the then Sunderland District General Hospital (now Sunderland Royal Hospital) was proposed for enlargement up to about 1100 beds along with the development of a new Rehabilitation Hospital of about 400 beds. However after further consultation, City Hospitals Sunderland, (the relevant NHS Trust) indicated that it no longer required a rehabilitation hospital in the A19 corridor. Redevelopment of the Sunderland Royal Hospital site will proceed but the increasing use of day and high tech surgery will result in a slight reduction of beds (from 700 to 679) rather than the increase previously expected. There is some concern over the proposed changes and careful monitoring of the situation will be needed. It has been confirmed that Ryhope General and Cherry Knowle Hospitals will be closed in their present forms and part of each redeveloped as a community/day Unit and a 200 bed psychiatric rehabilitation hospital respectively. Community/Day facilities will be provided in each of the Plan's four areas (for further details see the relevant Area proposals).

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CF10
THE CITY COUNCIL WILL ENSURE THAT HEALTH AND SOCIAL CARE BUILDINGS, BOTH PUBLIC AND PRIVATE, ARE LOCATED AND DISTRIBUTED SO AS TO BE ACCESSIBLE TO ALL RESIDENTS OF THE CITY.

7.49

The Community Health Services, managed by Priority Healthcare Wearside, are based upon twelve health centres which provide general medical and community health services, including dental treatment. In addition there are five clinics and the Galleries Health Centre providing a full range of out-patient consultative services, as well as a 12 place day hospital for geriatrics. Monkwearmouth Hospital's services are provided at a community level for both in-patients and out-patients. It is planned to develop similar facilities in other parts of the District, in the form of Day Community/Psychiatric Units, accessible to the local populations they serve. City Hospitals expect to provide outreach facilities associated with the Priority Health Care's Community/Day Units.

7.50

The demand for Social Services is likely to continue to rise with the projected increase in the numbers of older people and the incidence of disability. Additionally the safety of children, the welfare of people with disabilities and mental health problems, including those returned to the community from long stay hospitals, are providing challenges for the development of services. As the priority is to enable people to live an independent existence in their own homes wherever possible, the emphasis for the development of these services will be on the domiciliary and day care sectors. Land use implications are therefore comparatively minimal and applications for development will be treated on their merits. The planning context for nursing and care homes is established in Policy H17.

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CF11
THE CITY COUNCIL WILL SEEK TO ENSURE THAT THERE IS AN ADEQUATE RANGE AND DISTRIBUTION OF SOCIAL, RELIGIOUS AND CULTURAL BUILDINGS TO SERVE THE PEOPLE OF SUNDERLAND, PARTICULARLY ETHNIC MINORITIES AND DISADVANTAGED GROUPS.

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CF12
PROPOSALS FOR THE PROVISION OF SOCIAL, RELIGIOUS AND CULTURAL FACILITIES WHICH ARE NOT CURRENTLY AVAILABLE, PARTICULARLY THOSE WHICH PROMOTE THE PRESTIGE AND ATTRACTIVENESS OF THE CITY TO NON-RESIDENTS WILL NORMALLY BE PERMITTED SUBJECT TO NORMAL PLANNING CONTROL MEASURES

7.51

Apart from the well established Jewish Community, ethnic minority groups have not assumed any great prominence in Sunderland because of the small numbers of people involved; 0.5% of Sunderland's population was of New Commonwealth origin at the 1981 Census. Numbers have grown since then, and the 1991 Census indicates a doubling to 1%. A Mosque has been provided in a converted building, and the erection of a Hindu temple is being considered. Organisations representing ethnic groups are increasingly looking for new premises to expand their activities. The main implications for land use in Sunderland will arise from the need for places of worship, premises for cultural and social activities and premises for voluntary organisations providing assistance to ethnic groups.

7.52

These two policies therefore aim to maintain and improve the range of social, religious and cultural facilities throughout the City, thereby enabling greater public access to, and use of them. They also seek to increase the contribution such resources can make to the quality of life in Sunderland, so enhancing its attractiveness both as a place to work, live and visit. Normal planning considerations include the impact of any such proposal on the neighbourhood, taking into account visual and environmental matters as well as the effects of traffic generation, parking and access requirements. The allocation of specific sites and the implementation of any proposals will depend primarily on the initiatives taken by the social, religious and cultural organisations themselves. In the allocation of any scarce resources by the Council, priority will be given to facilities benefiting disadvantaged groups. The Tyne and Wear Council for Racial Equality welcomed this policy as being supportive of equal opportunities for all.

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Development Control
CF13
THE LOSS OF NECESSARY COMMUNITY FACILITIES WILL BE A MATERIAL CONSIDERATION IN ASSESSING DEVELOPMENT PROPOSALS.

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CF14
ALL DEVELOPMENT PROPOSALS FOR COMMUNITY FACILITIES WILL BE EXPECTED TO CONFORM TO A HIGH STANDARD OF DESIGN REFLECTING THEIR IMPORTANT PUBLIC ROLE (SEE POLICY B2). THEY SHOULD ALSO BE WELL RELATED TO PUBLIC TRANSPORT, PROVIDE ADEQUATE SERVICING FACILITIES AND CAR PARKING.

7.53

As community facilities are a limited resource, it is important to guard against their loss. These facilities are not generally profit making and are vulnerable to commercial development proposals. School closures may threaten the loss of community facilities, therefore in considering the future use of school premises and grounds, particular account will need to be taken of this. Where development results in the unnecessary loss of community facilities, it is possible that developers will be required to offset that loss by replacing them or by making a contribution to their replacement by way of a planning obligation (See L7). This should involve consultation and negotiation with community groups, local residents and developers. It is necessary for community facilities to be well related to public transport in order to comply with sustainability objectives and be accessible to the whole community.

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CF15
LARGE SCALE DEVELOPMENTS WHICH ATTRACT A SIGNIFICANT NUMBER OF EMPLOYEES OR RESIDENTS WILL BE ENCOURAGED TO MAKE APPROPRIATE PROVISION FOR CHILDCARE FACILITIES. THIS COULD INCLUDE MAKING A CONTRIBUTION TO OFF SITE FACILITIES WHICH COULD BE SHARED WITH OTHER USERS.

7.54

The existing provision of childcare and changing facilities in buildings used by the public is often inadequate. Childcare facilities in shopping centres, sports and leisure facilities and community meeting places would make access easier for people with children. Elsewhere the provision of crèches or nurseries would enable more people with caring responsibilities to work or undertake training and education. This policy will be implemented through development control procedures and by negotiating with developers to enter into Section 106 agreements where necessary. Specific reference is made to the provision of childcare facilities in new shopping developments (See S7).

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