The construction of what would later be known as the Arden was brought to the attention of Fareham Borough Council in May 2023.

The theatre, which features an underground orchestra pit for 16 musicians, dwarfs the company’s existing Acorn and Oak theatres, which hold 90 and 180 audience members respectively and do have planning permission.

Titchfield Festival Theatre was advised that without appropriate planning permission being obtained, the new theatre was at risk of enforcement action being taken.

Despite this warning, no planning application was forthcoming, and work continued on the theatre. The council issued a Planning Enforcement Notice (PEN) in November 2023 and the theatre company subsequently appealed.

However, the Planning Inspectorate has now dismissed Titchfield Festival Theatre’s appeal and upheld the PEN following a public inquiry.

As a result, the unauthorised theatre use of the Arden Theatre is required to cease within two months. Areas excavated for use as an underground orchestra pit must also be filled in and the stage, seating, lighting rig and any sound equipment dismantled within seven months.

Vice chairman of the planning committee, Cllr Ian Bastable, said: “I am pleased to see the Planning Enforcement Notice has been upheld and the appeal dismissed. The scale of the theatre was simply too big in this countryside location with very limited on-site car parking which also serves the existing Oak Theatre and Acorn Studio.

“It seems extraordinary that, despite concerns raised by the council in connection with creating a large theatre here, the works still went ahead. I would like to reassure all of our residents that where development is carried out without planning permission, and is unacceptable in planning terms, this council will take action against it.”

Kevin Fraser, artistic director and chair of Titchfield Festival Theatre trustees, said: “I am clearly broken-hearted at the decision from the Planning Inspectorate. The country will lose one of its greatest community arts assets and Shakespeare must be turning in his grave!

“In light of this decision, I will speak to our Trustees and fully evaluate the outcome before commenting further.”