Changes to the planning system will save theatres, concert halls and live music performance venues for future generations, Communities Secretary Robert Jenrick has announced today (12 July 2020).

With the changes taking effect next week, cultural institutions across England will be saved from being redeveloped or demolished.

These buildings cannot be easily replaced and are an intrinsic part of our cultural heritage, which is why the government is clear that temporary social distancing restrictions should not be an excuse for them to be permanently lost.

Councils will now need to take the temporary impact of coronavirus into account when considering permission for change of use, redevelopment or demolition of a theatre, concert hall or live music performance venue.

This move, alongside the £1.57 billion investment to protect Britain’s cultural, arts and heritage sector, provides extra security to businesses as they make plans to re-open their premises when is it safe to do so, and in the meantime continue to share their talent and passion for the arts outdoors and virtually.

Housing and Communities Secretary, Rt Hon Robert Jenrick MP said:

Our theatres, concert halls and live music performance venues are the envy of the world and are central to our cultural heritage.

That’s why we’re investing £1.57 billion to protect Britain’s cultural, arts and heritage institutions, as well as ensuring these buildings aren’t destroyed.

It is vital they are properly protected by the planning system for both people today to enjoy and future generations.

Jon Morgan, Director of the Theatres Trust, said:

We welcome the news of revisions to the planning system, which reinforce and increase protections for our treasured theatres and provide reassurance for the communities that use and value them.

The COVID-19 lockdown has rendered otherwise vibrant theatres vulnerable to permanent closure and we have already seen a number of theatres fall vacant due to the operator going into liquidation.

These measures will help ensure these vital community assets are protected during the current crisis and can be revived to serve their local communities once again.

Once introduced, this policy will remain in place until 31 December 2022.

A written ministerial statement will be laid to outline the planning changes and will have immediate effect on the planning system.

Find out more about the next steps for re-opening the performing arts industry.

Find our more information on the £1.57 billion investment to protect Britain’s cultural, arts and heritage institutions.

Life-saving support and supplies have been delivered to the families of British Gurkha veterans and communities across Nepal after the UK Embassy in Kathmandu teamed up with the Gurkha Welfare Trust.

Foreign Office staff in Nepal negotiated with the local authorities to allow the supplies of vital equipment and basic necessities to be transported through strict lockdown measures in the mountainous country.

The diplomatic agreements allowed life-saving provisions, such as medicines, pensions, PPE, hand sanitiser, and clean water to reach Gurkha veterans and rural health facilities on the frontline of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Members of the Trust travelled across tough terrain, sometimes by foot, to reach veterans and health facilities dotted across the country.

Through UK aid funding and with the help of the British Embassy’s staff, the Trust’s Covid-19 Intervention Programme has so far supported 53 health facilities, 14 Government institutions, and 17 quarantine centres across Nepal.

The British Ambassador to Nepal, Nicola Pollitt said:

The UK’s relationship with the Gurkhas is so special, and the work that The Gurkha Welfare Trust does is such an important part of recognising the selfless service that these soldiers have given to our country.

Their contribution to the coronavirus response has been typically exemplary, and I am pleased that the team here in the Embassy, with help from departments across government, were able to back them up.

Director of The Gurkha Welfare Trust, Al Howard added:

We are extremely proud of our community programmes in Nepal, including the provision of clean and safe drinking water to thousands of people across the country. To put those skills to use at a time when we all need to pull together is a pleasure and a privilege. I sincerely hope it helps in the fight against COVID-19.

The Gurkha Welfare Trust has been supporting Gurkha veterans and their families in Nepal for more than 50 years.

Before the pandemic hit, the Trust’s priority has been to provide welfare and medical support to the Gurkha veterans and their families living across the country.

Further information

The UK Space Agency-backed Space Placement in Industry Scheme (SPIN) provides unique opportunities for undergraduate students considering a career in the space sector, and for space sector organisations looking to find the talent of tomorrow.

The space sector is growing rapidly in the UK and could kick-start an additional 30,000 new job opportunities over the next decade.

Kathie Bowden, lead for Skills and Careers at the UK Space Agency, said:

The SPIN placements allow students to influence their own learning choices, providing them with an environment where they can showcase their skills and abilities to a range of employers.

The versatility of the space sector in this current climate means that the interns won’t be disadvantaged this summer and will still be able to add valuable experience to their CVs.

Klara Halikova, an ecological and environmental science student at the University of Edinburgh, is on a placement with forestry and environmental monitoring company, 2Excel Geo. She said:

Big data and remote sensing are an up-and-coming field for an environmental scientist. Throughout my degree I was not given the opportunity to explore them as much as I would have liked.

This placement is allowing me to catch up with the industry allowing me to push ahead in my field.

The majority of placements are being adapted to start remotely. Placements which demand a physical presence in labs or cleanrooms have been made as flexible as possible with start dates delayed. Host companies are keeping an eye on the latest advice to adapt as changes occur.

Henry Franks is studying engineering at the University of Cambridge and is on a placement with Magdrive. Mark Stokes, Cofounder of Magdrive, explained:

We had a few ideas beforehand of having an on-hand intern technician, but when it became apparent that homeworking would be an ongoing way of working we decided we should focus on an area of research which could be done remotely.

Having Henry with us for eight weeks working solely on research and development means we can utilise his specific skill set. He can dedicate the time we would not have to a project which will shape our offer to clients, and the direction the business will take.

Forty-two internships will be funded by the UK Space Agency’s Education and Space Flight Programmes this summer. A further eleven SPINternships are hosted and funded by organisations including the Satellite Applications Catapult, Quotient, an SME based in Edinburgh and the Open University.

The UK space sector is growing. Small satellite launch from the UK presents a huge opportunity for young people to take up careers in science, engineering or even as space entrepreneurs – helping to ensure the ongoing growth of the UK’s space industry.

The 53 applicants will participate in a virtual space sector induction in July and a Showcase of their work in the autumn.