Policy information sourced from the Merton Sites and Policies Plan

DM R6 Culture, arts and tourism development

Link to Merton’s Core Planning Strategy policies: CS 7 Centres; CS 1 Colliers Wood and South Wimbledon sub-area; CS 2 Mitcham sub-area; CS 3 Morden sub-area; CS 4 Raynes Park sub-area; CS 6 Wimbledon subarea; CS 13 Open space, nature conservation, leisure and culture.

Policy aim

By recognising the value of arts, culture and tourism uses to Merton’s economy and employment, the council aims to protect and provide additional arts, culture and tourism uses in the borough. These uses will also create economic and social benefits for the borough by attracting tourist and business visitors to Merton. Encouraging the development of arts, culture and tourism facilities throughout Merton ensures that these uses are accessible to all communities.

Policy

The council will maintain, improve and encourage cultural, arts and tourism in Merton by:

  • Supporting:
    • All proposals for cultural and tourism development which are likely to generate a large number of visitors in either:
      • Merton’s town centres; or,
      • Other areas of the borough which have high levels of accessibility (PTAL level 4 or above) and are within close proximity to additional services for employees and visitors.
    • Small (generally floorspace below 280 sqm) proposals for culture, arts and tourism development throughout the borough.
  • Encouraging improvements or expansion to existing cultural, arts and tourism in Merton, where this complements Merton’s strategic objectives for the areas in which they are located.
  • Ensuring proposals for culture, arts and tourism developments are well designed, by requiring that:
    • The size and character of the site or building are suitable for the proposed use;
    • The development will be compatible with the character and appearance of the area;
    • The amenities of local residents and businesses will not be harmed by way of noise, disturbance, loss of light or privacy;
    • There will be good access and links to modes of transport other than the private vehicle; and,
    • Vehicular access to and from the highway will be safe.
  • Balancing the benefits of the submitted proposals opportunity to provide employment and other contributions to the local economy against the above criteria.
  • Supporting proposals for the change of use from culture, arts and tourist accommodation to alternative uses only if it can be demonstrated to the council’s satisfaction that full and proper marketing of the site at reasonable prices for a period of 30 months (2 ½ years) confirms the financial non- viability for these purposes, unless:
    • Suitable replacement site for the culture and arts use which is of better standard and quality is provided locally; or,
    • Where it can be demonstrated that the existing tourist accommodation is no longer viable and does not provide facilities for the local community.
  • Subject to Policy DM E3, protecting, maintaining and encouraging the work-space needed to support creative and cultural industries across the borough.

For more information see the Merton Sites and Policies Plan