Flying by seat of pants

[Junior8]

As usual no one seems to be  asking the relevant questions about a 450 seater operating with no planning consent 

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-hampshire-67612785

 

[sleah]

Interesting. I've read that article and another where the Theatre accuse the Council of 'bullying' tactics.

On the face of the article above, I got the feeling that it was a bunch of airy-fairy luvies who'd had their feelings hurt 'cos someone dared say something negative - the 'If you can't say something nice' brigade.

On reading further articles, there's some history with the council. There's certainly blame on the side of the Theatre for not sticking to the letter of the law (naively or otherwise), but one can sure sympathise with their situation. Councils are a law unto themselves, especially as they tend to favour who/what can bring the biggest amount of dosh in their direction.

[kerry davies]

Hmmm? Questions. The theatre group has expanded over the years from a 120 seat barn, to add a studio and now this new build yet a quick check reveals that the street it is in has no business premises. As a charity they can get 80% charitable business rates relief but first they have to register as a business and pay something. This may lie at the root of things. 

I appreciate that PP is a tricky and legalistic subject and we do not have all the detail but this reminds me of life in the Forest of Dean where the planning officers spend nearly all their time shouting "pull it down ..... NOW!" One neighbour there built a one bed flat in a basement and we found out as he began to build a fire exit into our enclosed back garden. 

[richard_cooper]

It also appears that this may not be the first planning issue they've been involved in.

https://www.theplanner.co.uk/2023/11/06/medieval-barn-owners-guilty-breaching-planning-conditions

They have also had planning permission for a venue on this site turned down twice before in 2019

https://www.portsmouth.co.uk/news/people/fareham-borough-council-challenges-titchfield-festival-theatre-following-construction-of-450-seat-theatre-without-planning-permission-4428953

What an odd story.

[sunray]

It beggars belief they are so stupid that they don't realise they can do this sort of thing.

They will appeal and lose, ignore the enforcement notices etc until the bulldozers move in.

All they had to do was find an appropriate site and chances are grants may have even been available to help.

[sunray]

3 hours ago, sunray said:

It beggars belief they are so stupid that they don't realise they can't do this sort of thing.

They will appeal and lose, ignore the enforcement notices etc until the bulldozers move in.

All they had to do was find an appropriate site and chances are grants may have even been available to help.

EDITED