Main hall ceiling replacement at Spilsby Theatre, Church Street, Spilsby

What was proposed

Listed building consent was sought to replace the existing main hall ceiling with modern materials while conserving decorative features and retaining the cornice.

“PROPOSAL: Listed Building Consent - Internal alterations to existing theatre to replace the main hall ceiling in modern materials.”

Officer report

The site and building

The theatre occupies the Grade II listed Old Sessions House in the Spilsby Conservation Area, a prominent building with high aesthetic value.

“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

Who spoke

There were no speakers on the application.

Members’ discussion

A member strongly supported using modern, safer materials for non-decorative structural parts because the reinstated ceiling would retain its historic appearance.

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

“- A Member expressed strong support for the proposal, stating that the use of modern, safer and more readily available materials for internal, non-decorative structural components was both practical and appropriate. They further added that most theatre users would not be able to discern any difference once the ceiling was reinstated to its historic appearance.”

Minutes

The vote

The committee approved the application in line with the officer recommendation, with nine votes in favour, none against and one abstention.

“PL 28 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 was carried.”

Minutes

The decision and conditions

Listed building consent was granted subject to a three-year commencement limit and approved methods for removing and reinstating the main auditorium ceiling.

“The removal of the main auditorium ceiling must be undertaken in accordance with the document titled 'Methodology for the removal of the main auditorium ceiling, Rev A' dated 04/02/2026.”

“Reason: To ensure the development is appropriate to the listed building and is carried out in a way to preserve or enhance the heritage asset in accordance with SP11 of the Local Plan and the NPPF 3 Notwithstanding the submitted details, prior to work commencing on the reinstatement of the main auditorium ceiling, a methodology statement for its reinstatement must be submitted to the Local Planning Authority for written approval.”

Minutes