I copied this from another forum (britfolk) to which most 'catters don't have access - but the subject will be of interest to many of the UK's northern 'catters, I'm sure. If you don't want to see another arts venue disappear you might consider writing a letter...

You may or may not be aware that 2 years ago, the East Riding of
Yorkshire Council decided to sell the Picture Playhouse, Market Place,
Beverley, as a building surplus to requirements. Prior to that the 300
capacity venue had been the only, and much loved, venue in Beverley,
where films, concerts, comedy etc took place. It was also the prime
venue for the highly successful Beverley Folk Festival. Musicians (and
the public) loved it, despite the poor state the Council had let it get
into - smelly drains, seats falling apart etc.

Bids were requested by the Council from potential purchasers / or those
wishing to take on the lease of the venue. 7 were picked out of those
originally submitted, none of which were for the use of the property as
an Arts Venue, despite at least one bid being submitted for use of the
venue for that purpose. The bid made by Weatherspoons was the most
likely one to be accepted, but after major local opposition to this,
that of Mr David Fletcher, a local building speculator, was accepted. He
has already paid the Council a deposit for the building, but a final
contract for the sale has not yet been agreed. He submitted an initial
planning application to turn the venue into retail outlets. This
application was turned down at Committee - no doubt partly due to the
100+ letters of objection submitted.


Mr Fletcher has now submitted a revised Application, but for the same
use - retail outlets.

It is now crucial that anyone who knows the venue and wishes to see it
brought back to use as an Arts venue, writes in immediately to the
Council to object to the Planning Application. There is a major local
campaign taking place now with a view to making the Council re-think its
plans and look again at the possibility of the venue being turned once
again into a dedicated venue for the Arts.

You are requested to write in a letter of objection. It is important,
however, that anyone writing in writes their own letter, and does not
just copy the attached. BUT information on the attached sheet, will give
some background to the case, and some help in composing your letter. In
addition, the letters need to have well thought out reasons for why the
Playhouse should not be sold off for shops, and that the planning
application for such a use, should be refused.

Thanks for your co-operation.

Beverley Arts Trust

DOCUMENT CONTENT
BEVERLEY   PLAYHOUSE
Dear Playhouse Supporter,

In January, a planning application for change of use of the Playhouse
into shops, was turned down by the Council. The large number of letters
of objection - 115 for the Playhouse, 0 in favour of Shops - made a big
impression on the members of the Planning Committee, and the majority
voted against the change of use. A second planning application has now
been submitted which is very similar to the first. It is vital that as
many people as possible write again to object. You will make a
difference. All four parliamentary candidates - Conservative, Labour,
Liberal, UKIP - have given their written support to our cause.

You may like to consider the following points:
· Town Centres need a balance of Arts & Entertainment venues / Shops /
Restaurants / Pubs.                A town centre Arts & Entertainment
venue is essential for the wellbeing and vitality of Beverley and
surrounding areas. All other businesses benefit from a town centre with
a thriving Cultural venue.
Commercial and residential property values increase if there is a good
mix of businesses in a town.
       Diversity is essential for the long term economic prosperity,
vitality, and quality of life of small towns.
· An Arts / Entertainment venue will attract a wide range of visitors /
tourists to the town who are not catered for in the town centre at
present, especially in the evenings - this will benefit other
businesses.
· Tourism is essential to the economy of small towns. A part of the
Playhouse would make an ideal venue for the Tourist Office. The East
Riding is at the bottom of the national Tourism league!
· There are no Arts / Entertainment / Community centres in or near to
Beverley Town Centre.                  A town of Beverley's size needs
several venues, and most of all, one in the centre.
· The Playhouse would be a useful educational resource for all ages.
· Much smaller towns than Beverley such as Pocklington, Helmsley and
Goole maintain vibrant arts and entertainment venues.
· The Playhouse is ideally located for public transport - close to the
bus station, taxi ranks and a short walk to the train station
· The character of this Listed Building will be lost if converted into
shops- extensive alterations are proposed including a first floor. The
Playhouse was Britain's oldest working cinema.
· Viable and Sustainable business plans for an Arts / Entertainment /
Educational Community centre were submitted when the Playhouse was first
offered for sale. These are now being re-formulated by the Beverley Arts
Trust and will offer an exciting alternative to the Playhouse being used
as a shop. The Playhouse has only failed in the past due to lack of
investment. Live performances were very well supported by the public and
performers.

There are many other objections you may have. Please do write and
encourage others to write too. If there are several members of your
household, write as individuals, as every opinion, and every letter
counts.
Address your letters to:
Head of Planning and Development Control, County Hall, Cross Street,
Beverley HU17 9BA
Quote these reference nos.      DC/05/02282/PLF/EASTSE/SL2 (Change of
Use to shops)
                                        DC/05/02284/PLB/EASTSE/SL2
(Listed Building Consent)

Letters should be sent by the official deadline of    Thursday May 6th
but may be accepted after this date

Letters to the Planning Department, or for Councillors can be posted or
dropped in at County Hall.
Copy your letters to your local Councillors and particularly to each
member of the Eastern Area Planning Committee any time before the
meeting, which is scheduled for Monday May 23rd (this could change)
Attend the meeting if you can. The Planning Committee members are about
to change so check before writing to them personally. Please do
telephone or email us for more information.
Copy your letters to the local press, give or email a copy of this
letter to friends - make your opinions known!

Need more information? Want a regular update on the situation? Contact
the Beverley Arts Trust   now

01482 861514 / 01482 886390
email    beverleyartstrust@hotmail.co.uk

This newsletter has been distributed by the Beverley Arts Trust -
committed to saving the Playhouse