Review of Theatres Trust's statutory consultee status

As announced in March, the Government has published its consultation on the role of statutory consultees in the planning system in England.

Theatres Trust is considering our response to the consultation, but we are pleased that, following our conversations with MHCLG, mitigations have been proposed which show that the government recognises both the importance of our perspective and the value of theatres to communities.

The mitigating measures are that:

• Theatres Trust would be notified of all planning applications in relation to development on land on which there is a theatre
• The government will review the implementation of planning policy and guidance with Theatres Trust to ensure that appropriate protections to the theatre sector are in place

Theatres Trust only comments on planning applications involving or impacting theatres, a total of around 100 applications each year - the equivalent of 0.03% of planning applications submitted in England.

Removing Theatres Trust as a statutory consultee will have little impact on house building, but we understand the government’s desire to reform the planning system.

Our expert, impartial advice supports theatres to flourish, contributes to the creation of vibrant places, and is valued by local planning authorities, developers, theatre owners and operators.

We welcome support from organisations and individuals who are familiar with our role in the planning system and the positive impact of our work.

If you would like to talk to us before making a submission, please get in touch via info@theatrestrust.org.uk

The consultation runs until 13 January 2026. 

Read the full details of the Reforms to the Statutory Consultee System consultation.