Leicester theatre extension plans set to be rejected
Plans to expand a theatre are likely to be rejected after a single objection was lodged.
Leicester Drama Society is seeking permission to add a six-storey extension to the 1930s-built, 350-seat Little Theatre, in Dover Street, Leicester.
Planning officers at the city council have received 19 letters of support for the scheme from amateur dramatics enthusiasts and The Theatre Trust.
However, they have also had one letter objecting to it from an agent for BPS, representing overseas investors in a next-door block of flats, who raised concerns about the extension blocking light to the property.
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Officers have recommended to councillors meeting on Wednesday that they reject the scheme.
The society wants to build the extension, on stilts, over a car park.
It would include rehearsal spaces, dressing rooms, a green room for the actors and storage space for sets.
Drama society chairman Rob Thirlby said: "We have had a lot of support from people since our proposal was written about in the Mercury.
"It was very pleasing but when we found out about the recommendation we were a bit shocked.
"It is not a numbers game but there was only one objection. I think a resident in a flat did not like it and has stirred things up a bit.
"We are going to do our best to garner support from councillors.
"The planning officers' report says what a wonderful thing the project would be but at the end suddenly does a U-turn and recommends refusal."
The theatre, where Lord Attenborough and rock star Jon Lord have trodden the boards, has not had significant redevelopment since a rebuilding in the late 1950s following a fire.
Mr Thirlby said the future success of the venue depended on the redevelopment.
Theatre-goer Jim Matthews, from Thurcaston, said: "The society members have been excellent custodians of the building, which is important in the cultural life of the city.
"It has accommodated top-class live entertainment for longer than any building in the city except De Montfort Hall.
"If it was just a bit bigger it could do much more. More space for bigger and heavier scenery would permit bigger and more ambitious shows."
Peter Butlin, of BPS, was unavailable for comment yesterday but his letter to planners said the extension was "of great concern".
He said: "The light to a number of flats looking out to the car park will be blocked completely."
He also said the car park was a point of access for emergency vehicles which must remain.
Planning officers said the scheme should be turned down because the proposed extension would be of "excessive height and mass" and would have a significant impact on neighbouring properties.
Comments
by georgedixon
Saturday, October 13 2012, 11:46AM
“If the argument is due to" height and mass" how was The Curve and that thing of a toilet roll on Upperton Road given planning permission ?”
by Graham_LE8
Saturday, October 13 2012, 10:08AM
“I don't get it either - would the 'resident' prefer the theatre rather than develop itself into a better venue, eventually through stasis become less supported until neglect sets in?
But I suppose it wouldn't be their problem, until they tried to sell the flat because by then planning permission to build more student accomodation might be on the cards, eh?...”
by georgedixon
Saturday, October 13 2012, 9:48AM
“1 "resident" stops the whole thing going ahead.Stupid or not ?”
by robth
Friday, October 12 2012, 10:04PM
“As Chairman of the Trustees of the Little Theatre, may I clarify the position regarding emergency access from the flats that overlook the site. There is, and never has been, anything in our proposals which in any way degrade the emergency escape arrangements for residents of the flats. They will be able to cross the car park exactly as they can at the moment to exit into Dover Street, albeit through an electric roller shutter instead of through electric gates.”
by colarrey
Thursday, October 11 2012, 2:21PM
“Has no one told the "Little"?
Tell them it's a DMU project and they will get a grant as well!”
by fourtyone
Thursday, October 11 2012, 11:17AM
“Well thats a good idea gone again,due to City Planners.Maybe just vacate it and get someone to burn it down or fill with squaters.Would be nice to see the actual refusal in print .”