The British Association of Leisure Parks Piers and Attractions (BALPPA) -the trade organisation representing visitor attractions, has formally written to the Department of Communities & Local Government welcoming the proposed new streamlined national planning policy for economic development (‘PPS4: Planning for Prosperous Economies’). The submission, assembled on BALPPA’s behalf by Nick Laister of RPS Planning & Development, strongly welcomed the inclusion of tourism development within the definition of economic development and the proposed presumption in favour of proposals for economic development.

The new policy document is good news for rural attractions, with recognition at last that rural areas are major contributors to the national economy and to be treated as equal to urban areas. However, BALPPA feels that the new policy does not go far enough. For example, there is much in PPS4 to support the extension of existing tourist accommodation sites (holiday parks, caravan parks, etc), but no equivalent policy supporting the extension of tourist attractions. Similarly, there is no recognition that attractions are ideal locations for the development of new rural holiday accommodation, where there can be significant sustainability benefits as well as supporting the future viability of these important businesses.

In urban areas, BALPPA has asked for clarification that visitor attractions are not uses that should be limited to town centres only, and that further development at existing attractions outside of town centres (e.g. in seaside resorts) is something that should be supported. Representations were also made on the status of seafront areas, where further leisure development at established attractions can assist in resort regeneration and in lengthening the season.

For a copy of the representations, please contact:
Nick Laister
T: +44 (0) 1235 838 214
E: LaisterN@rpsgroup.com