An amateur dramatic group has had its third planning application for a first floor extension refused.
Wilmslow Green Room Theatre on Chapel Lane applied to build a two storey extension at the rear to provide a first floor rehearsal room with storage areas on the ground floor.
The theatre has five major productions a year each lasting one week, with an audience of approximately 70 people attending each. However, it does not currently have a dedicated rehearsal room, which means rehearsals must take place in the same area as performances. Hence each production has to wait for performances to finish before commencing rehearsals - limiting the numbers of performances which can be presented each season. It also means that construction work for the scenery can only take place at times when the auditorium is not needed for rehearsals.
The Northern Planning Committee refused the application due to the adverse impact on the residential amenity of the occupiers of adjoining properties.
Whilst the proposal was considered to be acceptable in terms of design and impact on the area, as well as the site being in a sustainable location, it was considered to have a significant impact on neighbouring properties both on Chapel Lane and on South Oak Lane.
Councillor Gary Barton said "This was a difficult situation as I am keen to support local groups such as the Green Room, but I also have to represent local residents, and particularly those around the application site.
"I asked for the call-in (to the Northern Planning Committee) so that the balance between the needs of a well like local group and the impact on neighbours could be fully debated. I think that the committee came to the right decision and probably the only decision they could do.
"The fact that a number of councillors abstained highlights that this was not a decision that Northern Planning enjoyed making, but the needs of nearby residents had to be taken in to account. Hopefully Councillor Ellie Brooks and I and Wilmslow Town Council can work with the Green Room to find alternative solutions to their needs."
Wilmslow Green Room have previously been refused planning permission twice on the grounds that the proposed extension would be overbearing and reduce the extent of sunlight to the neighbouring property at 83, Chapel Lane. In this third application the rehearsal studio was at the back of the building, above the scenery store, rather than at the front of the property as previously proposed.
Thirty one letters were received in support of the application, a large number of which were from members of the amateur dramatic theatre, and seven letters of objection, mainly from immediate neighbours, were received. Wilmslow Town Council raised no objections but requested that residents concerns were noted.
