Courtroom theatre at Shire Hall, High Street, Haverfordwest

What was proposed

The application sought to change part of a former courtroom into a theatre, with no external alterations proposed and internal works requiring listed building consent.

“The application seeks permission for the change of use of the part of the building from a court room to a theatre. The development aims to bring the building back into use, preserving the listed building whilst contributing towards the enhancement and regeneration of the Town Centre of Haverfordwest.”

“The agent has confirmed in supporting information submitted with the application that no external alterations to the building are required to facilitate the change of use. However, they do acknowledge that some internal works and associated redecoration will be required and that these would necessitate a Listed Building Consent (LBC) application. At the time of writing this report, a LBC application (ref.”

Officer report

The site and building

The site is part of a Grade II* listed building in Haverfordwest town centre, within its conservation area and primary retail frontage.

“The site comprises part of an existing Grade II* listed building located within the Town Centre and Hub Town of Haverfordwest. The site is also located within the designated Conservation Area for Haverfordwest and forms part of the primary retail frontage…”

Officer report

Earlier applications

Earlier consents covered a plaque, building alterations, several uses, external works, windows, a parapet wall and signs; a related listed building application remained under consideration.

“Listed building consent application ref. 07/0526/LB conditionally approved alterations to facilitate the change of use of the building on the 9 th November 2007.”

“Listed Building Consent application ref. 25/1033/LB has been submitted to the LPA for the change of use of former court room/council chambers into theatre and multi- functional auditorium. The application is currently under consideration whilst waiting for a site visit to be undertaken in conjunction with Cadw.”

Officer report

What officers recommended

Officers recommended approval because the theatre supported town-centre uses, local economic and social benefits, acceptable amenity, heritage conservation and biodiversity improvements.

“Criterion 1 of Policy GN.12 (Town Centre Development) permits developments that fall with use classes A1, A2, A3, B1, C1, C2, C3, D1 or D2 of the Use Classes Order or is a sui generis use which would normally be found in shopping centres. The theatre use would be a sui generis use that could be found in a shopping centre. As such, the theatre use would be an acceptable use within the Town Centre as set out by criterion 1 of policy GN.12.”

“Policy GN.1 (General Development Policy) requires the nature, location, siting and scale of development to be compatible with the capacity and character of the site without resulting in an unacceptable adverse impact on amenity. The site is located within the Town Centre, where there are several venues such as public houses, restaurants and takeaways.”

Officer report

Concerns raised

One third-party representation questioned the site boundary, possible precedent, the level of submitted detail and whether the application should be heard by committee.

“One third party representation has been received, raising concerns in relation to the following:”

“Red line identifying the application site only encompasses the court room 2. If approved, the proposal will set a precedent for other applications concerning the exterior, access, and auxiliary spaces 3. Application should be heard at Planning Committee 4. More detail should have been submitted with the planning application.”

Officer report

Who addressed the committee

The applicant spoke about securing a sustainable future for the listed building and answered questions about plans, furnishings, other uses, seating and parking.

What members discussed

Members discussed the building’s furnishings, other theatres, the extent of the application, seating, parking, capacity, sewage, timing and the local member’s support.

“In response to a question from Councillor John Cole regarding pictures or plans of the interior of the Shire Hall, the Applicant advised that the plans had been submitted as part of the Listed Building application. The Chief Planning Officer advised that this application was for a change of use of building and confirmed that the listed building application did include the plans of the changes however, this was not part of the planning process.”

“Councillor Tim Evans noted that he was supportive of the application however, he was aware of concerns raised by the local Civic Society regarding the furnishings within the Court building. The Applicant reassured the Committee that, following conversations with CADW, all furnishings would be placed in appropriate storage with some remaining in place.”

Minutes

How members voted

Councillors moved and seconded approval, which passed by 11 votes to 2, with no abstentions.

“Approval of the application was Moved by Councillor Tim Evans; Seconded by Councillor Alec Cormack.”

“The vote, undertaken by way of a roll-call, was carried. The votes were recorded as follows:”

Minutes

The committee’s decision

The application was approved subject to plans, biodiversity enhancements including a bat box, and opening-hour conditions.

“That the application be APPROVED subject to the conditions outlined in Section 1.1 of the report.”

Minutes