THE Theatres Trust has joined more than 200 individuals and organisations objecting to a fresh application to demolish the Redgrave Theatre in Farnham to make way for two new restaurants as part of the Brightwells regeneration scheme.

Waverley Borough Council’s joint planning committee will meet today (Wednesday) to determine Crest Nicholson Sainsbury’s latest bid for listed building consent for alterations to Grade II-listed Brightwell House and demolition of the theatre.

In their report published ahead of the meeting, Waverley planning officers have recommended the application - the third time since 2011 that an application has been submitted for this element of the wider East Street redevelopment - be granted full permission.

Describing the theatre as “dilapidated” having been boarded up by the council since 1999 , the report states that the principle of the proposed works and demolition was established by the previous consents, and “there has not been any change in circumstances to warrant making a different decision”.

Officers added: “The proposal would secure a sustainable long-term future for Brightwell House and provide significant economic and social public benefits to the residents of Waverley.

“It is therefore considered that the less than substantial harm caused to the designated heritage asset and its setting would be clearly outweighed by the benefits of the scheme.”

However, the application has attracted 260 objections - including that of the Farnham Theatre Association and The Theatres Trust, the national advisory public body for theatres - prompting renewed calls for a “comprehensive review” of the Brightwells scheme.

Responding to the application, The Theatre Trust’s planning consultation Ross Anthony said: “The Theatres Trust objects to this application because it includes the demolition of the Redgrave Theatre without a replacement cultural facility or a financial contribution set aside to support an existing cultural facility.

“The theatre, though a later addition to the main Brightwells House, is part of the listed asset.”

The trust adds the application is in breach of the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF), which notes planning decisions should “guard against the loss of cultural facilities”.

“The loss of a theatre that could potentially be reused by the community as a cultural facility, and it is clear there is local demand to save and reopen the theatre, is contrary to the framework,” said Mr Anthony.

Commenting on the delays to the Brightwells scheme, which Mr Anthony says puts the “viability of the scheme in doubt”, the trust has also called for a “comprehensive review of the entire scheme and the submission of a revised viability assessment”.

He continued: “The NPPF states ‘Where a proposed development will lead to substantial harm to or total loss of significance of a designated heritage asset, local planning authorities should refuse consent, unless it can be demonstrated that the substantial harm or loss is necessary to achieve substantial public benefits that outweigh that harm or loss’.

“There is clearly an issue with the applicant’s ability to deliver this scheme and as it now appears to be unviable, it is unlikely that they will deliver any of the public benefits needed to justify a renewal of this consent for the unnecessary loss of the Grade II listed theatre and the associated harm to Brightwells House.”

Farnham Town Council has not objected to the plans, however, on the proviso that CNS keep their promise to build a temporary bridge over the River Wey connecting the construction site to the A31 before works commence.

The meeting will take place at 7pm on January 17 at The Burys council offices in Godalming. The public are invited to attend the council chamber or watch the meeting online via Waverley’s YouTube channel.

To view the application in full visit the website www.waverley.gov.uk/planning and search for application reference WA/2017/2028.