Theatre alterations at Spilsby Theatre, Church Street, Spilsby

What was proposed

The application sought listed building consent for internal and external theatre alterations, including an escape route, first-floor toilets, rainwater goods and partial demolition.

“PROPOSAL: Listed Building Consent - Internal and external alterations to existing theatre to include an external escape route, first floor toilets, rainwater goods and part demolition of existing building.”

Officer report

The site and building

The Sessions House is a prominent Grade II listed building in the Spilsby Conservation Area, surrounded mainly by residential development and other listed buildings.

“The site is the Old Sessions House, which is located in the market town of Spilsby, to the west of the town centre, bordered by Church Street, West End and Spence Street. The Sessions House is a prominent landmark when approaching the town from the West. West End leads to the King Edward VI Academy, the Spilsby Parish Church of St James is little further east along Church Street, and the Catholic Church is opposite the Sessions House.”

“The Session House's aesthetic value is derived from its Greek Revival design and imposing facade, reflecting judgement and imprisonment. The later buildings also hold a degree of aesthetic value displaying decorative features including the bay window to the former Sergeants office and arched lintels with central keystone over the windows, cornicing under the eaves and brick string course detail.”

Officer report

Relevant history

Earlier permissions supported theatre and community-related changes, while this application and a separate ceiling application remained undetermined.

“In 1982 several deemed Planning Permissions were granted by Lincolnshire County Council for varying alternative uses proposed at the time. One such application is S/165/1684/82 to 'use court rooms and ancillary accommodation as an art gallery (other than for business purposes), museum, Public Hall or Exhibition Hall at Sessions House'. It is this permission that has been implemented to facilitate the existing theatre use.”

“3809/25/LBC - Listed Building Consent - Internal alterations to existing theatre to replace the main hall ceiling in modern materials. Undetermined.”

Officer report

Neighbour comments

A third party raised concerns about possible bird nests in roof spaces and requested ecological checks and swift-nest protection or mitigation.

“One third party who notes that roof spaces have potential to house bird nests. Request a thorough search of the roof space is carried out by an ecologist with swift nest experience and where swift nests are found that entry points are not blocked off or in mitigation swift nesting boxes are used or swift nesting bricks are installed.”

Officer report

Who spoke

There were no speakers on the application.

Members’ debate

A member said the improvements appeared positive and looked forward to the building’s completion.

“Following which, the application was opened for debate.”

“- A Member commented that the improvements appeared positive and stated they looked forward to the building’s completion.”

Minutes

The committee vote

The application was approved in line with the officer recommendation, subject to conditions and Section 106 obligations, by nine votes to none with one abstention.

“Following which, the application was Proposed and Seconded for approval in line with officer recommendation.”

“Upon being put to the vote, the proposal for approval in line with officer recommendation subject to conditions and Section 106 obligations was carried.”

Minutes

The decision

Listed building consent was granted for the works, subject to conditions controlling the start date, rainwater goods and window and door details.

“The East Lindsey District Council grants listed building consent for the execution of the works referred to in Part I hereof in accordance with the application and plans submitted subject to the following conditions:”

“Notwithstanding the submitted details, prior to installation on site details of the window frames, door and door frames (including the proposed new window to the Female WC at first floor) to be utilised in the development hereby permitted, including samples if so required, shall be submitted to and approved in writing by the Local Planning Authority. Such details shall…”

Minutes