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6.9 It is important to note, that these improvements are in the context of its role and in Appendix 3. One of the main factors behind the listing is its special architectural function in the wider North Wales and the North West of England. Whereby over the interest as an important example of a post war civic arts and theatre complex, as the last five years there has been significant investment in improved access to cultural key example of this building type in Wales and one of the leading examples in the and theatre. This includes major improvements to Storyhouse in Chester, the UK. Everyman in Liverpool and the Royal Shakespeare Company in Prescot, together with the planned improvements in Manchester through HOME and the planned 6.14 A Heritage Impact Assessment [HIA] and a Heritage Impact Statement [HIS], ‘Factory’ creative hub. Therefore, the physical improvements to the Theatre are aimed prepared by Haworth Tompkins accompany this application submission. to enhance and strengthens its ability to grow and prosper and remain relevant for 6.15 The HIS sets out the proposals for the Theatre and is clear that the works proposed existing and future generations. will have a limited impact on its significance. It concludes that the proposals will; 6.10 As stated, the Theatre is central to the local community, serving the region with a contribute to the success of the Theatre as a historical asset, which is of great word class theatre of arts. Chapter 9 of the FUDP relates to community and leisure influence on the performing arts in North Wales. facilities tourism. Whilst there is no single policy that relates to the upgrading and 6.16 Of the major architectural interventions, the proposed new foyer and south facade will extension of community facilities, the Chapter is generally supportive of the retention contribute towards the spirit of the original building by remaining distinct to the back and enhancement of such facilities. The policies contained within this Chapter of house. The two areas will be successfully combined through respect of massing, principally seek to restrict the loss of these facilities for other uses. In this context, scale and the use of materials. Specific fabric significance will be retained with the the proposals seek to retain, refurbish and upgrade the existing D2 facility for the ambition to help tell the story of an ambitious original design team and bold thinking benefit of the community and the wider region. The proposals therefore accord with of the County Council. the underlying theme of Chapter 9 which seeks to mitigate the loss of such community facilities. 6.17 The proposal has been through a considered set of iterations, design reviews and regular updates with core stakeholders; ensuring its appropriateness. The loss of any 6.11 Culture is central to Welsh planning policy, PPW sets out that that culture change historical fabric is only for the functional gain of the organisation and will secure its should be embraced by placemaking and ensuring that planning facilities are future by increasing its adaptability and resilience to further change. delivered in the right place [§2.13]. FUDP Policy STR9 is clear that development proposals should have regard to, and where appropriate reinforce the Welsh 6.18 The HIA has identified many elements of the building as being insignificant to the language and cultural identity of the community and area. The proposals seek to building's historical value. The loss of this fabric for the improvement of theatrical and upgrade and extend the existing theatre to ensure it is able to meet modern day public functions has been carefully assessed and concluded by the HIS as critical for requirements, and is accessible for all. The proposals will ensure the theatre’s securing the organisation's future. The proposals increase the building's adaptability longevity and enable it to be enjoyed by future generations. In this regard it is and resilience to further change. The proposals are therefore considered to accord considered that the proposals accord with the relevant provisions of PPW, FUDP with PPW [§4.4.41] and TAN5, together with FUDP Policy HE2 and draft Policy Policy STR9 and the draft LDP. STR13 of the LDP. 6.12 PPW goes on to state that development proposals should create the conditions to Conclusions on the Principle of Development bring people together, making them want to live, work and play in areas with a sense of place and well-being, creating prosperity for all [§2.3]. As stated, the proposals will 6.19 The Theatre is included within the settlement boundary of Mold. FUDP Policies STR1 ensure the longevity of the existing theatre building, and will strengthen its position (and Draft STR1 of the LDP) and GEN2 set out that development within the settlement as centre for inspiration and culture within North Wales. limits will generally be permitted. FUDP Policy CF2 states that the development of new community facilities will only be permitted on suitable sites within the settlement Heritage Impact boundaries. The proposed extension will remain within the curtilage of the wider theatre complex, which itself is included within the urban area of Mold. The principle 6.13 The Theatre is identified as one of Wales’ major cultural assets and was recently Listed by Cadw as a Grade II building in June 2019. A copy of the listing is included 29 30 20 Theatr Clwyd, Design and Access Statement Appendices, March 2021 of development in this location therefore accords with the relevant policies from the 7 Additional Considerations FUDP and draft LDP. Design and Layout 6.20 The proposed extension will be delivered on undeveloped land within the curtilage of 7.1 A Revised Design and Access Statement prepared by Haworth Tompkins the existing building. The extension seeks to make efficient use of the land which accompanies this application submission. makes up the curtilage of the theatre complex. The efficient use of land and buildings is encouraged both within PPW and FUDP Policy STR10. Indeed, the upgrade, 7.2 FUDP Policy D1 states that all developments must incorporate a good standard of refurbishment and extension of the existing theatre complex will ensure its longevity design. Draft Policy PC3 of the LDP takes this further where all new development and enable it to be enjoyed by existing and future generations. Furthermore, the should be of a high quality, distinctive and inclusive design. It states that development proposals will strengthen its position as centre for inspiration and culture within North will only be permitted where it is of a scale and density that is appropriate, and laid Wales. out so that it responds well to its physical context. FUDP Policy D2 builds on this, stating that development will be permitted where the proposals demonstrate a good 6.21 Overall, it is considered that the proposed development accords with relevant standard of design, form, scale and use of materials, together with protecting the provisions of the Development Plan and PPW. In the context of Section 70(2) of the character and amenity of the surrounding environs. 1990 Act and Section 38(6) of the 2004 Act the proposed development should therefore be granted planning permission. 7.3 It is considered that the proposals are appropriate in the context of these two Policies. The proposals comprise a modest extension of 874sq.m to the existing theatre building. This will extend to a maximum height of 10.5m which is significantly lower than the maximum height of the theatre building which is 25.9m. The extensions have been design and laid out to integrate seamlessly into the wider built fabric of the Theatre complex. The proposed materials have been carefully selected and have been used elsewhere in the development of the theatre. This will ensure that the proposed extension will remain in keeping with the appearance of the wider building. 7.4 Overall it is considered that the proposals accord with the design related guidance set out in PPW and TAN12, together with FUDP Policies D1 and D2 and with Draft Policies PC3 of the LDP. 7.5 The proposals also seek to improve the existing facilities at the Theatre and ensure that it is accessible to all. FUDP Policy AC1 is clear that development proposals will be permitted only if appropriate facilities are provided to meet the special needs of people with disabilities. As set out in Section 4, the proposals will deliver: Five new lifts are proposed to improve accessibility throughout the building Additional and improved wheelchair positions are proposed within the auditoriums: Accessible WCs throughout the building, with right and left hand options where there are two in the same place. A Changing Places room and a family room for quiet time or breast feeding will be located at ground floor close to the Health and Wellbeing rooms and children’s 31 32 HaworthTompkins 21 play area. Wider cubicles and cubicles with outward opening doors will be stage, to give meaningful advice as to the type, nature, and construction of any provided in all blocks of cubicles. foundations for the proposed development. Accessible WCs and showers will be provided for the AHT and EWT dressing Inadequately designed buried concrete may be at risk from potentially elevated rooms. Most dressing rooms will be wheelchair accessible, and an accessible sulphates and low pH in the soils and groundwater beneath the site. bed will be provided in the bunk room for actors to use. The site is not considered to be affected shallow coal mining. Therefore, risks In front of house areas bars and reception counters will have a low counter height from shallow coal mining are considered to be very low at this stage.

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