Beverley Playhouse

BEVERLEY PLAYHOUSE

Dear Playhouse Supporter,

In January 2005, a planning application for change of use of the Playhouse into shops was turned down by the Council. The large number of letters of objection – 115 for the Playhouse, 0 in favour of Shops – made a big impression on the members of the Planning Committee, and the majority voted against the change of use. A second planning application has now been submitted which is very similar to the first. It is vital that as many people as possible write again to object. You will make a difference. All four parliamentary candidates - Conservative, Labour, Liberal, UKIP - have given their written support to our cause.

You may like to consider the following points:

 Town Centres need a balance of Arts & Entertainment venues / Shops / Restaurants / Pubs. A town centre Arts & Entertainment venue is essential for the wellbeing and vitality of Beverley and surrounding areas. All other businesses benefit from a town centre with a thriving Cultural venue.

 Commercial and residential property values increase if there is a good mix of businesses in a town.

 Diversity is essential for the long term economic prosperity, vitality, and quality of life of small towns.

 An Arts / Entertainment venue will attract a wide range of visitors / tourists to the town who are not catered for in the town centre at present, especially in the evenings – this will benefit other businesses.

 Tourism is essential to the economy of small towns. A part of the Playhouse would make an ideal venue for the Tourist Office. The East Riding is at the bottom of the national Tourism league!

 There are no Arts / Entertainment / Community centres in or near to Beverley Town Centre. A town of Beverley’s size needs several venues, and most of all, one in the centre.

 The Playhouse would be a useful educational resource for all ages.

 Much smaller towns than Beverley such as Pocklington, Helmsley and Goole maintain vibrant arts and entertainment venues.

 The Playhouse is ideally located for public transport – close to the bus station, taxi ranks and a short walk to the train station

 The character of this Listed Building will be lost if converted into shops– extensive alterations are proposed including a first floor. The Playhouse was Britain’s oldest working cinema.

 Viable and Sustainable business plans for an Arts / Entertainment / Educational Community centre were submitted when the Playhouse was first offered for sale. These are now being re-formulated by the Beverley Arts Trust and will offer an exciting alternative to the Playhouse being used as a shop. The Playhouse has only failed in the past due to lack of investment. Live performances were very well supported by the public and performers.

There are many other objections you may have. Please do write and encourage others to write too. If there are several members of your household, write as individuals, as every opinion, and every letter counts.

Address your letters to:

Head of Planning and Development Control, County Hall, Cross Street, Beverley HU17 9BA

Quote these reference numbers: DC/05/02282/PLF/EASTSE/SL2 (Change of Use to shops) DC/05/02284/PLB/EASTSE/SL2 (Listed Building Consent)

Letters should be sent by the official deadline of Thursday 6 May but may be accepted after this date

Letters to the Planning Department, or for Councillors can be posted or dropped in at County Hall. Copy your letters to your local Councillors and particularly to each member of the Eastern Area Planning Committee any time before the meeting, which is scheduled for Monday 23 May (this could change). Attend the meeting if you can. The Planning Committee members are about to change so check before writing to them personally.

Please do telephone or email us for more information.

Copy your letters to the local press, give or email a copy of this letter to friends – make your opinions known!

Need more information? Want a regular update on the situation? Contact the Beverley Arts Trust now:

Phone: 01482 861514 / 01482 886390

email [email protected] This newsletter has been distributed by the Beverley Arts Trust – committed to saving the Playhouse