The Theatres Trust is The National Advisory Public Body for Theatres. The Town & Country Planning (General Development Procedure) Order 1995, Article 10, Para (v) requires the Trust to be consulted on planning applications which include 'development involving any land on which there is a theatre.' It was established by The Theatres Trust Act 1976 'to promote the better protection of theatres'. This applies to all theatre buildings, old and new, in current use, in other uses, or disused.

Due to the specific nature of the Trust's remit we are concerned with the protection and promotion of theatres and it is not part of The Theatres Trust's remit to comment on site allocations except to provide guidance on assessing the best locations for theatre provision in a town (preferably) which will support and protect sustainable theatre use. The Council should be satisfied that there is adequate provision for cultural facilities and that these are in easily accessible locations by public transport and road with adequate parking.

We look forward to being consulted on the next stage of the Core Strategy, Planning Obligations and town centre Area Action Plans.