NOT TO BE PRINTED_Draft Final TAAP comments duly

Mr Tom Gilbert-
Wooldridge English Heritage Cambridge 19 Policy TH 21 Comment
Patricia Poel Thetford resident 18 Policy TH 21 Comment
S Lenane Thetford 18 Policy TH 21 Comment
Sustrans Peterborough 18 Policy TH 21 Disagree
Theatres Trust Theatres Trust London 18 Policy TH 21 Agree
We also note the intention of Breckland Council to produce a town
Comments noted. A careful balance needs to be struck between
being prescriptive on managing the development and change
centre masterplan to act as a catalyst for regeneration. English and having the flexibility to encourage investment. The TAAP is
Heritage would greatly welcome involvement in the drafting of the a starting point on a detailed policy framework for the town
masterplan and looks forward to early consultation on its content. centre but must be considered in conjunction with the adopted
Map 18.1 shows a number of Town Centre Opportunity Areas which Core Strategy. The town centre masterplan will provide an
incorporate the key sites for development and change. Again, all of opportunity to set out further specificity on selected sites.
the opportunity areas incorporate or adjoin designated heritage Progress is being made on securing the funding for the
assets, and most lie wholly within Thetford Conservation Area. Some masterplan and it should be completed by the end of 2011.
clarification will be needed on what might be permissible within each Breckland Council would welcome English Heritage's
opportunity area, along with an explanation of the status that the involvement in the preparation of the masterplan as a statutory
areas have within the Area Action Plan (or the subsequent consultee given the significance of the heritage assets across
masterplan).
the town centre. No change
In 1963, Thetford Town Centre had many varied and economically
viable shops but since then, in spite of the population expansion,
they have disappeared. Why? Costly consultation became the order Many residents have expressed similar dis-satisfaction with the
of the day and from then onwards, no one intended listening to what town centre. Furthermore BDC evidence base shows much
the people living in Thetford wanted. In 2011, we will be repeating money is being leaked to Norwich, Cambridge and Bury St
history, under the guise of Thetford's Area Action Plan, unless those Edmunds as there is limited retail offer in the town. Town centre
authorities from different parts of Norfolk can allow them selves (1) to masterplan has been recommended to be produced which would
listen and act on what Thetford people are saying and (2) have more look at how the town centre works and come up with ways to
intimate knowledge of the town itself and of its people's needs. improve it which could see other retailers attracted to the town. No further action.
The Riverside Walk shopping area needs to be demolished and
replaced. We need riverside cafes and restaurants and possibly a
small cinema. The Carnegie Rooms also need replacing with a new
venue. All this will attract people to the centre, which will in turn
attract more businesses.
The comments on ease of access by sustainable modes are
important, but it is also important that the town centre is much more
permeable than it is at present in terms of walking and cycling. This
is a significant problem at present that needs addressing. It is also
important that there is ample, convenient cycle parking in suitable
locations.
Comments noted. Policy TH21 identifies a number of key town
centre sites that provide the key opportunity areas for
development and change. These include Riverside Walk and
other river frontage sites. The Council recognises that
improving the riverside environment is critical to the successful
regeneration of the town centre. The Carnegie Rooms are
owned and managed by Thetford Town Council. Breckland
Council understands that the Carnegie Rooms require
considerable investment going forward and the TAAP identifies
the site as an area for change and development. This does not
mean that the Carnegie Rooms have to be replaced but the Plan
intends sufficient flexibility to enable the Town Council to look at
a range of options for the site. Should the site be redeveloped,
it should be noted that the TAAP identifies the area including the
Carnegie Rooms as a focus for market and community uses and
Breckland Council would seek replacement provision either on
the site or very close by. Alternatively, proposals to refurbish
and rejuvenate the existing Carnegie Rooms would also be supported No change
Comments noted. Policy TH21 could be amended at criterion c)
to remove brackets around text on walking and cycling and
insert additional text on safe and conveniently located cycle
parking.
We note the re-working of this policy, which we support, and that the
Carnegie Room has been included as a key site for development
presumably to improve the evening economy offer as stated in
para.18.3. We are pleased that the document is taking a positive
approach to improve the town centre environment and assume the
details for the developments will be in the Town Centre Masterplan
and request to be consulted on this please Comments noted No change
Amend criterion c) to remove text in
brackets and replace with " and
walking and cycling network
improvements including the
provision of safe and conveniently
located cycle parking across the
town centre."