Planning

As the National Advisory Public Body for Theatres, The Theatres Trust is the government’s adviser on theatres.

Statutory consultee

Local Planning Authorities are required to consult and seek the advice of The Theatres Trust before they issue a decision on any planning application or development involving land on which there is a theatre or which will have an impact on theatre use, as defined in the 1976 Act. This requirement relates to all theatres, old or new, used or disused.

Pre-applications

We encourage applicants and developers at pre-application stages to contact us early on for advice on theatre use, architecture and design, heritage, regeneration and development, and planning issues.

Theatres infrastructure

Theatre operators, local authorities, development agencies and applicants can also seek advice relating to the provision and infrastructure of theatres and performing arts facilities in their area. The Theatres Trust holds the national Theatres Database of theatres across the UK and can contribute to mapping and impact assessments.

Spatial policies and land use planning

The Theatre’s Trust contributes to and leads on the development of spatial planning, cultural, sustainability and other policies which may affect the viability and future use of theatres. This work includes advice on Local Development Frameworks and planning obligations.

Authority

The statutory instruments setting out the consultation requirements are: The Town & Country Planning (General Development Procedure) Order 1995, Article 10, Para 5; and the Town & Country Planning General Development (Scotland) Order 1992, Article 15, as amended by the Town & Country Planning (General Development Procedure)(Scotland) Amendment (No.2) Order 1994.Theatres in Northern Ireland are covered under an administrative agreement.
The 1976 Theatres Trust Act defines a theatre as ‘any building or part of a building constructed wholly or mainly for the public performance of plays’. In this context ‘plays’ has the same meaning as in the Theatres Act 1968 and encompasses singing and dance and solo comedians.

Listed buildings

Many theatres are listed buildings. The Trust is able to give detailed advice on listed building consent applications to support future theatre use and protect significant architectural features.