Hampshire theatre could close after planning enforcement appeal lost
Titchfield Festival Theatre had challenged Fareham Borough Council
A Hampshire theatre could be forced to close after losing an appeal against a Planning Enforcement notice.
Fareham Borough Council issued the Titchfield Festival Theatre with a notice last December, saying their Arden venue has been created without planning consent.
Bosses for the 450 seat theatre appealed, but the Planning Inspectorate threw out the appeal yesterday (Monday 12th August).
Kevin Fraser, Artistic Director and Chair of Trustees said:
“I am clearly broken-hearted at the decision from the Planning Inspectorate. The country will lose one of its greatest community arts assets and Shakespeare must be turning in his grave!
"In light of this decision, I will speak to our Trustees and fully evaluate the outcome before commenting further. In the meantime however, we’d love to see you at what will possibly be the last show in the Arden theatre – Made in Dagenham. We promise you plenty of fun, laughter and music!"
The organisation say their Oak and Acorn theatres are unaffected by the notice and will continue to operate.
They've said they'll 'continue our great tradition of brilliant art and drama for our community'.