Ref.: TC/3682

10 December 2020

Kelvin Hall Development Management Council Shirehall, Abbey Foregate, , SY2 6ND

By e-mail: [email protected]

Application: 20/04532/PSPPA

Site: Theatre Severn Frankwell Quay Shrewsbury Shropshire SY3 8FT

Proposal: Application for prior approval under Part 14, class J of the Town & Country Planning (General Permitted Development) () Order 2015 for the installation of roof mounted solar panels Change of use of ground floor to B1 from D2 (Theatre/venue hire)

Remit: The Theatres Trust is the national advisory public body for theatres. We were established through the Theatres Trust Act 1976 'to promote the better protection of theatres' and provide statutory planning advice on theatre buildings and theatre use in England through The Town and Country Planning (Development Management Procedure) (England) Order 2015, requiring the Trust to be consulted by local authorities on planning applications which include 'development involving any land on which there is a theatre'.

Comment: This application has come to the attention of the Trust because it relates to development at Theatre Severn, specifically the installation of solar panels under Class J of the GPDO.

Theatre Severn is a modern theatre serving Shrewsbury and its wider catchment, having opened in 2009. It contains a main auditorium with a secondary 250-seat theatre along with dance studio and hospitality space. It also provides an all-day food and drink offer, enhancing its role as a cultural and community asset.

This proposal will contribute to the theatre’s sustainability. Having reviewed the accompanying plans it appears to meet the conditions necessary for Class J development to be permitted and we are supportive of these proposals.

Please contact the Trust if you wish to discuss this representation in more detail.

Tom Clarke MRTPI National Planning Adviser