New 450-seat theatre in Hampshire built without permission

A 450-seat theatre has been built in a Hampshire village without official approval, it has emerged.

The venue in St Margaret's Lane, Titchfield, has been created behind the existing Titchfield Festival Theatre.

Its lack of planning permission came to light after concerns were raised over its insufficient 35 parking spaces.

Fareham Borough Council said it had issued a Planning Enforcement Notice. The theatre has to stop using the venue by 29 February unless it appeals.

Titchfield Festival Theatre Limited has the right to appeal to the Secretary of State by 29 December, the council added.

The authority said the new building, which has been hosting performances and is currently running a pantomime, had only been given permission for use as storage.

Councillor Nick Walker, chairman of the planning committee, said: "It beggars belief that anyone would build a new 450-seat theatre without first securing planning permission.

"Titchfield Festival Theatre has left the council with no option but to pursue this formal planning enforcement action."

In a statement, Titchfield Festival Theatre's (TFT) artistic director Kevin Fraser said: "TFT is proud that it has turned around a disused factory site that it has occupied as a theatre for over 10 years, and has spent £1.7m of their own money making it into the largest community theatre hub in Europe.

"TFT's lawyers have already contested this action by Fareham Borough Council and requested the authority to withdraw it."

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