Development Management Policies - Direction of ... - Islington Council

7 Shops, Leisure and Services
C .
New community uses must be:
i) located to be convenient and accessible to the community they serve;
ii)
accessible by a range of transport modes, including walking, cycling and public transport;
iii) provided in buildings which are inclusive, accessible, flexible and sited to maximise shared
use of the facility.
D. To meet identified demand for any new facilities the council will require:
i) developments which result in any additional need for community facilities to contribute
towards enhancing existing facilities, or providing, or contributing towards new more inclusive
facilities; and
ii) suitable developments to make accessible room(s) available to local community groups
to use or hire at a discounted rate, particularly where development displaces a community
facility.
E. The provision of theatres and cinemas in Islington is supported. The loss and change of
use of theatres and cinemas and former theatres and cinemas to other uses will be resisted.
7.0.47 Community and social uses include a range of different types of premises ranging from
community halls to leisure centres (see glossary).
7.0.48 Venues for meetings, social and cultural activities are important for people's quality of life
as they provide space for people to meet and socialise. These venues are under pressure
from higher land value uses, such as housing.
7.0.49 Culture, Leisure and Arts are important both to the economy and community well being
of people who live and work in the borough. Culture and Leisure activities should continue
to be encouraged and cultivated both of the local role and contributing factor to London
as a world city, and for its economic and social impact on quality of life. A key issue of
Islington’s Core Strategy is building on the strengths of the borough as a cultural and arts
destination.
7.0.50 There are a number of theatres in Islington, the most famous theatre is Sadler's Wells,
now established as an excellent performance venue for dance of all kinds. Although small
(300 seats) the Almeida Theatre has developed a world, as well as national, reputation
for quality theatre. There is also a large number of pub venues providing a range of
performance, from new plays and dance, to live music and comedy.
7.0.51 Planning permission which involves the loss of community and cultural uses, such as
community halls and other public meeting venues, theatres, cinemas will only be granted
where the applicant can demonstrate no need exists for the use, or its loss was necessary
to achieve other planning objectives, and appropriate compensation provided.
Development Management Policies - Direction of Travel Islington Council
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