Agenda item

The provision of a 360 seat theatre consisting of the main auditorium (of up to 276 seats) and an additional theatre space (of up to 84 seats) in Block B of the Islington Square development at ground, first and basement levels; a new entrance lobby courtyard between the east elevation of Block B in Islington Square and the rear of 115 Upper Street; variation to retail unit G1 in Islington Square to facilitate access to the proposed Kings Head Theatre entrance; formation of a canopy over the new entrance; the use of all the King’s Head theatre space at 115 Upper Street as a public house when the King’s Head theatre takes up occupation of its lease within Islington Square; erection of a first floor extension to the King’s Head; installation of new plant to the rear; works to the first floor roof terrace; re-instatement of a rooflight to the ground floor rear room.

(Planning application numbers: P2017/0800/FUL and P2017/0888/LBC)

In the discussion the following points were made:

·         The officer explained that the there was an addendum report containing corrections and clarifications.

·         Residents requested that there be no entry or egress other than to Upper Street after 8pm, that vehicle delivery be restricted to 8am-6pm Monday to Friday and 8am-1pm on Saturday and that the bar be restricted to the use of theatre patrons. The applicants stated that they were willing to comply with these requests. The planning officer advised that conditions were in place to deal with these matters.

·         It was considered that the current theatre was suboptimal for theatre use, the new Islington Square theatre would be much better and the John Salt would provide a good temporary space.

·         The applicants advised that a feasibility study had been undertaken into funding and whilst most fundraising avenues generally required a planning permission to be in place, there had been a positive response from a number of groups and statutory bodies despite the current lack of permission.

·         It was considered that the Kings Head Theatre Trust had a fantastic heritage within the borough and was a vital cultural asset.Members warmly welcomed the proposed move and associated works that would allow the King’s Head to move to a new purpose built theatre thereby securing the long term future of one of Islington’s foremost cultural attractions.

·         The new theatre should provide a more economically sustainable model.

RESOLVED:

1)    That planning permission be granted subject to the conditions and informatives set out in Appendix 1 of the officer report and subject to the prior completion of a Deed of Planning Obligation made under Section 106 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 securing the heads of terms as set out in Appendix 1 of the officer report.

2)    That  listed building consent be granted subject to the conditions and informatives set out in Appendix 1 of the officer report and subject to the prior completion of a Deed of Planning Obligation made under Section 106 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 securing the heads of terms as set out in Appendix 1 of the officer report.