Southern Culture
Did You Know?
Cliff-hanger
The South East region was the first to have a designated heritage coastline when the Countryside Commission recognised the White Chalk Cliffs between Beachy Head and the Seven Sisters and Seaford Head as a stretch of coastline of particular natural beauty
Regional Spatial Strategies and the South East Plan
General Guidance
Regional Spatial Strategies, PPS 11, 2004
Planning Policy Statement 11 outlines the aims of Regional Spatial Strategies [RSS], requirements for their preparation, and the need for implementation and monitoring. RSS provide a framework to inform the preparation of local development frameworks, sub-regional strategies and other programmes that have a bearing on land use activities.
RSS are required to be consistent with and supportive of other regional frameworks, including Regional Cultural Strategies. RSS form part of the statutory development plan for each local authority area in the region. Annex A of the guidance covers policy and guidance in a number of areas, including culture (page 39).
The Draft South East Plan, 2006
The core document A Clear Vision for the South East-The South East Plan, was submitted to the Government in March 2006. Looking ahead to 2026, it proposes a spatial development framework for the region, with a range of cross-cutting themes and topic based chapters.
The Plan is currently at the Examination in Public stage. Following a report from the Panel to GOSE, proposed changes to the Plan will be put out for consultation later in 2007. Following consideration of any representations on these, the Plan will then be approved by the Secretary of State.
Please see read our briefing of the implications for culture of the Examination in Public.
www.southeast-ra.gov.uk/southeastplan/index.html
The South East Plan Implementation Plan, 2006
This forms part of the RSS, and identifies what needs to be happen, when it needs to happen and who needs to take action. The most recent version of the Plan was submitted to GOSE in October 2006.
The Regional Economic Strategy 2006-2016: A Framework for Sustainable Prosperity, 2006
This strategy [the RES] puts forward the vision of the South East as a world class region achieving sustainable prosperity. It identifies the importance of quality of life as a competitive advantage in delivering economic growth. Proposals are made for the growth areas, 21 regional hubs and (within these) eight Diamonds for Investment and Growthђ. The Strategy includes a section on Making the Most of 2012, aiming to ensure that the London Olympics leave a positive and lasting legacy for the South East,
The strategy is supported by the RES Plan Implementation Framework, which will be published in the autumn of 2007.
www.seeda.co.uk/res/docs/RES-ImplemantationPlanFramework.doc
Guidance with a Cultural Angle
Culture and the Emerging South East Plan
Based on interviews with seven regional cultural agencies (eg Arts Council South East, MLA South East), this study identifies key cultural issues of relevance to spatial planning and the RSS. Descriptions are also given of the roles of the Regional Spatial Strategy, local development frameworks, the New Communities Plan and the South East Growth areas in delivering the cultural agenda.
Polices for Culture in the South East Plan
The Plan contains cross cutting polices, and topic based policies. Among the topic based policies, social, cultural and health dimensions are covered in Section D 11 on pages 218-232. Proposed policy S7 specifically covers Cultural and Sporting Activityђ. Other relevant references to culture appear in the sections on urban renaissance [Section D8], town centres [D9] and tourism and related sports and recreation [D10].
Culture South East has made representations, through the EIP, to seek amendments to the cultural polices in the Plan. CSE is seeking the introduction of a new cross cutting policy on culture and sustainable communities, and other changes in policy wording.
Culture in the South East Implementation Plan
This Plan, forming part of the RSS, includes reference to sports facilities, open space and parks, and libraries and archives. Key delivery agencies for culture are given in Tables D10 and D11 of Annex 1. Detailed predictions of the costs of sport, recreation, library and archive facilities, in the context pf predicted growth, are given in Annex 4.
Culture South East has made representations on the Implementation Plan via the EIP process. CSE are seeking an improved listing of the agencies responsible for delivering cultural infrastructure in the region, and some changes to the forecast sums of money involved.
Culture in the Regional Economic Strategy
One of the three cross cutting themes of the Strategy is Culture, Sport and the Creative Industries. Key actions are listed under headings such as transport and physical development, innovation and creativity and sustainable prosperity. Pages 109-112 list the actions involved.