Theatre refurbishment at Palace Theatre, Newark-on-Trent

“The Proposal 3.1 The application seeks listed building consent for internal and external refurbishment and repair works in addition to installing new LED lights to the auditorium stairs. Initially the application also included new handrails to be provided within the theatre auditorium but this has now been removed from the description of works for this application and will be for consideration at a later date.”

“Security door upgrades and external works: 9 existing external doors (including the two main front doors) are proposed to have additional internal security fitted (new internal locks and a top and bottom heavy duty brass bolt on each leaf to be bolted to the frame above and floor below where necessary and the fire doors (DG06, DG09 and DG10 in the side elevations) to be overclad internally with aluminium checker plate).”

“Planning Committee is the appropriate body to consider the content of this report. A Legal Advisor will be present at the meeting to assist on any legal points which may arise during consideration of the application. Conclusion 9.1. In summary, the proposed works would cause no harm to the historic or architectural special interest of the Listed Building through the works proposed.”

“Comments of the Business Manager – Planning Development 7.1. The key issue is: • Impact on the special historic and architectural interest of the listed buildings and the wider historic environment…”

“The Draft Amended Allocations & Development Management DPD was submitted to the Secretary of State on the 18th January 2024 and completed its Examination in November 2024. This is therefore at an advanced stage of preparation albeit the Inspector’s report is still awaited. There are unresolved objections to the amended versions of policy DM9 emerging through that process, and so the level of weight to which that proposed new policy can be afforded is currently limited.”

“Theatres Trust have stated that they broadly support the principle of the proposal but proper explanation and analysis of works in heritage terms have been suggested.”

“No representations have been received from any third party or local resident.”

“Members considered the presentation from the Business Manager, which included a mock up example of the LED lights. The benefits of keeping an important historic building in a good state of repair were discussed, alongside the benefits of improving safety and wayfinding with lighting on the stairs.”

“Prior to the installation of any new floor coverings and painting of internal doors in the back stage area as shown on the submitted plans, full details of the coverings and paint to be used shall be submitted to and approved in writing by the Local Planning Authority. Only the floor coverings and paint approved shall be installed and applied within the areas approved by this consent. Reason: In order to preserve the special interest of the Listed Building.”