Kitchen servery alterations at Assembly Hall Theatre, Royal Tunbridge Wells

What was proposed

The application sought listed building consent for kitchen servery alterations, ventilation, new services, finishes, and enlargement of an internal doorway.

“Listed building consent was previously granted in 2022 (22/03621/LBC) for a new escape route within the servery to the rear of the Assembly Hall, however this was not completed due to time constraints. The current proposal shows Phase 2 of the previously approved application and includes additional changes to the original application.”

“As such, this scheme seeks to alter the kitchen servery area with new ventilation with louvres within an external window, new services, floor finishes and a suspended ceiling. Additionally, an existing internal door opening to the storeroom adjacent to the servery would be enlarged, which would require a new concrete lintel over the opening, door frame and architraves to match the existing profile.”

Officer report

The site

The Assembly Hall Theatre is a Grade II listed theatre built in 1939 within a group of municipal buildings.

“The Assembly Hall Theatre is located on the northern side of Crescent Road within the town centre of Royal Tunbridge Wells. It was constructed in 1939 as part of a group of municipal buildings situated within the immediate vicinity. The building currently accommodates a theatre and is used for entertainment purposes. To the front, Crescent Road slopes downwards from east to west towards the crossroads joining Crescent Road with Mount Pleasant and Church Road.”

“The complex is a grade II listed building (list entry no. 1265557) and the listing description from Historic England is as follows:”

Officer report

Officers’ recommendation

Officers recommended approval because the works were considered not to harm the listed building’s significance and would complete improved access.

“These works relate to a previous application (22/03621/LBC), which were considered necessary for improved means of access, which would be completed as a result of this application. Additional works to improve the functionality of the kitchen will also be carried out. The Conservation and Urban Design Officer has appraised the application and no objections have been raised.”

“As a result, the application complies with the key tests set out in the NPPF and the Listed Buildings and Conservation Act, and no harm has been identified to the listed buildings significance. It is therefore recommended that listed building consent is approved.”

Officer report

Consultation responses

The conservation officer and Theatres Trust supported the works, considering them acceptable, necessary, and suitable for the theatre’s operation.

“Conservation and Urban Design Officer (27.05.2025) As per the previous application, the degree of less than substantial harm caused by the insertion of a new wall to create the escape corridor is judged to be outweighed by the public benefit of the proposal. The new works proposed are deemed acceptable. It is viewed favourably that the louvres will be designed so that they can be removed and replaced with glass again if necessary.”

“Theatres Trust (30.05.2025) This application is related to a previous application and works which were undertaken around 2022; we also commented on those plans. There was the need for improved means of egress. This will now be completed, necessitating alterations within the theatre’s kitchen servery area.”

Officer report

Local objection

One concern was raised about the amendments, but it was not considered a material planning consideration.

“Two site notices were displayed outside the Assembly Hall Theatre to the front and rear on the 21 st May 2025. The application was also publicised in the Kent Messenger on the 23 rd May 2025.”

“One concern has been raised regarding the amendments, however the points raised are not material planning considerations.”

Officer report

Who spoke

One registered speaker was an objector, a local resident.

Committee questions

Officers clarified that the proposal was for a theatre kitchen servery, not a public restaurant or café, and members raised no further matters.

“Matters of clarification by Officers and Committee Members’ questions to Officers included:”

“- Officers clarified that the application was not for an additional restaurant or café and was a kitchen servery area to facilitate the Assembly Hall Theatre. It would not be open to members of the public.”

Minutes

The vote

Councillors Britcher-Allan and Neville proposed and seconded approval, and members voted in line with the officer recommendation.

“Decision/voting – On the basis that members were satisfied that all relevant planning considerations had been covered within the report, a motion was proposed by Councillor Britcher-Allan, seconded by Councillor Neville and a vote was taken to approve the application in line with the officer recommendation.”

Minutes

The decision

The application was granted subject to the plans, conditions, and informatives set out in the agenda report.

“RESOLVED – That application PLA171/25 be granted subject to the plans, conditions and informatives as set out in the agenda report.”

Minutes