Theatre refurbishment at Theatre Royal, Addington Street, Margate

What was proposed

The proposal involved demolishing the lean-to, building a two-storey extension, installing plant and solar panels, and carrying out refurbishment and repairs.

“The application seeks planning permission for the demolition of the existing lean-to structure and the erection of a two storey side extension, installation of plant equipment and solar panels to the roof, refurbishment of windows, facades and features and associated repair works.”

“The extension will replace the existing lean-to on the southern elevation of the building and will provide a new accessible dressing room block, lift and ventilation equipment. It will sit between 16a Hawley Square to the west, and the historic entrance to the stalls and Stage Manager's House to the east. The extension will feature a profiled brick facade on the upper elevation, with cream coloured brick to the lower elevation.”

Officer report

The site and its setting

The site is a Grade II* listed theatre in Margate Conservation Area, surrounded mainly by residential properties and currently at risk because of its condition.

“The application site comprises the Grade ll* listed Theatre Royal, which is an important focal building from both a heritage and community perspective. Constructed in 1787 and remodelled in 1874, the building has high historic value due to its age and form. The building is currently on the National Heritage at Risk Register and Theatres at Risk Register due to its condition.”

“Notably the site lies within Margate Conservation Area. The site is located on the north eastern corner of Hawley Square and the surrounding area is mainly residential in nature.”

Officer report

Relevant planning history

Earlier applications covered investigative works, roof and building repairs, accessibility alterations, lighting, and other listed building works.

“L/TH/26/0261 - Application for Listed Building Consent for the demolition of existing lean-to structure and erection of two storey side extension, installation of plant equipment and solar panels to roof, refurbishment of windows, facades and features, installation of ventilation system, reconfiguration of auditorium seating, installation of new internal staircase and associated repair works - Pending Consideration…”

“L/TH/26/0078 - Application for Listed Building Consent for proposed internal investigative works including creation of trial pits, opening of ceilings, floors and wall and inspection of building servicing routes - Granted 23.04.2026”

Officer report

What officers recommended

Officers recommended approval because the scheme would secure the theatre’s long-term use, repairs and reopening, while public and heritage benefits outweighed limited harm.

“The application would secure the long term use of the theatre, whilst carrying out vital repairs to this important heritage asset. As noted above, the development does lead to less than substantial harm to the Grade ll* listed theatre. Paragraph 215 of the NPPF requires that less than substantial harm to significance should be weighed against the public (including heritage) benefits of a proposal.”

“The application includes heritage benefits in the form of conservation and re-opening of the Grade II* listed building which can be applicable to the weighing exercise. In terms of public benefits, the scheme will ultimately ensure the theatre is able to re-open.”

Officer report

Local representations

Letters were sent to neighbouring occupiers, a site notice was displayed and the proposal was advertised locally; no comments were received.

“Letters were sent to the neighbouring occupiers, a site notice was posted near the site and the application was advertised in the local press. No comments were received.”

Officer report

Who spoke

Councillor Duckworth addressed the committee, and the Principal Planning Officer outlined the report.

Committee discussion

The Chair proposed approval and the Vice Chair seconded the motion, subject to the listed conditions.

“The Chair proposed and the Vice Chair seconded that the officer recommendation to APPROVE be AGREED, Subject to the following conditions:”

Minutes