- LSA OBJECTION TO WARWICK DISTRICT COUNCIL PLANNING SUBMISSION
- A BIG THANK YOU TO VIRGINIA MURPHY
- UPDATED LIST OF RELEVANT CONTACT
WARWICK DISTRICT COUNCIL PLANNING APPLICATION IN RELATION TO MOVING ITS CUSTOMER SERVICES CENTRE INTO THE PUMP ROOMS
The support for our organisation provides evidence of the high numbers of people in our locality who are either engaged in the practice of visual arts or who value it. In the last 12 months we have sold art made by local artists worth a total of £10,000 across our two galleries.
Our members consider the Pump Rooms and the Art Gallery that is housed within the building as important cultural and historic assets for our town. We are concerned that the proposals to change the front part of the building to office use will seriously detract from the cultural offer within the building and make it less likely that local people and tourists will visit the art gallery and museum.
- It does not comply with WDC’s local plan which states that it will “protect important heritage assets”. It emphasizes this throughout the document but I make particular reference to 5.148, 5.151, 5.152 and 5.153 from the plan.
- It also fails to comply with WDC’s local plan which states that it will support “a strong cultural and tourism offer”. I note in particular 3.115 and 3.116 from the plan. The “Hands Off Our Pump Rooms” petition had many signatures from outside the area proving how important this building is considered by visitors to Leamington Spa.
- As stated by the NPPF (Para 131) “Local plans are the foundation on which the planning system should be built.” WDC should not ignore its own local plan to facilitate an office move when there are viable alternatives.
If members would like to submit individual comments or objections the planning application can be found here https://planningdocuments.warwickdc.gov.uk/online-applications/applicationDetails.do?activeTab=documents&keyVal=_WARWI_DCAPR_94202
The deadline is14th September
A BIG THANK YOU TO VIRGINIA MURPHY
On behalf of all members, the board of trustees would like to say a big thank you to Virginia Murphy.
Virginia held the role of secretary to the board (and for some time was also a trustee). Much of the work for this role is unseen and happens in the background, but it is vital in terms of keeping the organisation going. Virginia put in many hours and her organisation skills are second to none. We were very lucky to have her in this role.
At the same time, Virginia was also organising and curating ( with Alastair and Ede ) the exhibitions at East Lodge. This activity is also time consuming and is vital to the successful running of East Lodge. Virginia is skilled in curating and presenting artwork to make the maximum impact and we were grateful to have her undertaking this role.
Virginia has now curated her last exhibition and is also retiring as secretary. She will be much missed and her commitment and dedication to LSA a have been significant. We wish her well and hope she will enjoy her new found freedom!
LIST OF RELEVANT CONTACTS
John BodenAndi DunnCasilda Serrano Villabos
LSA ART ROOM
Cassie Leedham
