Curtain falls on theatre without planning permission

An appeal by a theatre to keep a 450-seat venue built in a village without the correct planning permission has been turned down by the Planning Inspectorate

Known as the Arden, it was constructed behind the existing Titchfield Festival Theatre in St Margaret's Lane, Titchfield, on land purchased in 2021.

Fareham Borough Council issued a Planning Enforcement Notice (PEN) in November because the building only had consent to be used for storage.

The theatre appealed against that decision but has now been told it has to stop using the venue for performances by 12 October.

Areas dug out for use as an underground orchestra pit have to be filled in and the stage, seating, lighting rig and sound equipment taken down within seven months.

Councillor Ian Bastable, vice chairman of the planning committee at Fareham Borough Council, said: "I am pleased to see the Planning Enforcement Notice has been upheld and the appeal dismissed.

"It seems extraordinary that, despite concerns raised by the council in connection with creating a large theatre here, the works still went ahead.

"I would like to reassure all of our residents that where development is carried out without planning permission, and is unacceptable in planning terms, this council will take action against it."

The inspector's appeal decision does not affect the two other theatres on the site.

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