Online petition rallies support for Melton Theatre

The theatre, which belongs to Brooksby Melton College, has already been granted planning permission by Melton Council allowing for both ‘front of house’ improvements, enhancing the theatre experience for audiences, and much needed ‘backstage’ improvements for the benefit of performers and productions, including college shows.

It was envisaged that the college’s proposed redevelopment of its former Spinney campus, for housing, at Brooksby would have funded the theatre improvements as well as the delivery of affordable homes at the college’s redundant King Street campus in Melton and repairs and works on Brooksby Hall.

But, as previously reported in the Melton Times, the college’s plans for the King Street site were rejected by the council in December and, due to this decision, its Spinney campus planning application was deferred.

It has prompted nearly 150 supporters of Melton Theatre to sign an online petition rallying support for the community asset and stressing the need for the planned improvements to go ahead.

The petition was launched by Suzanne Forrester, director of the Performing Stars Academy which uses the venue several times a year for musical theatre performances.

She said: “Our community benefits greatly from having such a wonderful proactive theatre, however it’s in need of some serious upgrading.

“We must support the theatre as it is an important part of our community and the plans they have created will benefit not only performers but spectators too.”

At the time of going to press Jim Worley, Melton Council’s head of regulatory services, said the college’s deferred planning application for its Spinney campus re-development sits ‘pending’, with the council awaiting instructions from the college as to how they wish to proceed.

It’s understood the college has until May to decide whether to appeal the council’s refusal of planning permission for its King Street campus affordable housing scheme.

The Melton Times invited the college to clarify its current position regarding its King Street and Spinney campus plans and if there were any implications on the approved theatre improvements.

Marketing manager Amy Fox said: “The college is still considering its options.”

To view or sign the petition visit https://www.gopetition.com/petitions/melton-theatre-sign-our-petition.html