Issue - meetings

This application was for the partial demolition of theatre and construction of a new main theatre auditorium, secondary studio, concourse and back of house facilities in addition to the refurbishment of the retained wing of the building to form extension to the theatre with new restaurant and bar and external works comprising landscaping, replacement substation and reconfiguration of the theatre car park, New Street car park and on-street parking at Slaney Street at The Place, Limes Walk, Oakengates, Telford, Shropshire, TF2 6EP.

This application was before Planning Committee as the proposal involved the Council as the Applicant.

An update report was tabled at the meeting and updated members on the provision of parking.

The Planning Officer informed Members that this was the next phase of the regeneration of Oakengates town centre, in order to make this a destination and better serve the residents and attract visitors and businesses.  It was supported by a range of policies in the Local Plan which would help to improve the economy, increase the cultural provision, and enhance the community facilities.  It also addresses matters of ecology, land stability and highways infrastructure.  There were approximately 390 parking spaces available across the town centre to serve businesses and shoppers although due to the range of users and services these parking spaces could not be apportioned to any one particular user.  By applying the Local Plan parking standards 129 of these spaces could be considered as serving the theatre with 174 parking spaces being required for the most popular shows when the theatre was operating at capacity. To assist with concerns, the applicant had provided 32 additional spaces reconfiguring the parking spaces at the Theatre Car Park, New Street and Hartshill Park.   An enhanced travel plan had been submitted and would evolve over the time, identifying what worked well and how visitors could be encouraged to visit and improve way finding from the bus and train stations.  Arriva buses would be approached to ensure arrivals and departures would coincide with before and after any shows taking place.

During the debate, some Members welcomed the application and felt that this was a huge boost to Oakengates.  On the comment from Oakengates Town Council what conditions could be put in place in order for disruption to the site and the area being kept clean and tidy in order that it did not become disruptive.  Other Members considered that the walls needed to have something to reflect the building being a theatre.  Queries were raised in relation to what would happen to the nursery after the 5 year temporary permission to relocate, would the library need to locate and would the theatre rarely be filled to capacity.  Other Members were encouraged in relation to parking and the plan to move away from cars and promote active travel.

The Planning Officer confirmed that there was a construction and environmental management plan in order to minimise the impact of the development.  In relation to capacity, this information was supplied by the  ...  view the full minutes text for item 20