Theatre energy efficiency upgrade approved by council

Plans to improve energy efficiency at an Epsom theatre by removing gas boilers and replacing them with green alternatives have been approved by the local council.

The upgrade at Epsom Playhouse will see the theatre contributing towards the council's net zero targets.

The art hub opened in 1984 and has hosted major theatrical companies, operas, dance, drama and comedy.

Plans for the theatre, which is managed by Epsom and Ewell Borough Council, were approved by the local authority's planning committee.

The agreed work will remove the old gas fire boiler and six outdated rooftop air-handling condensers.

These will be replaced by six heat pumps and four condenser units.

The new equipment will be stored within acoustic panelling to dampen noise

Concerns over the impact the new work would have on the area, which forms part of a Grade II listed building and is next to the Epsom Town Conservation Area, were considered.

However, the committee agreed this was outweighed by the public benefits of the scheme, the Local Democracy Reporting Service reported.

Officers confirmed the fencing used to dampen sound from the condensers would be visible from Ashley Avenue but said the public thoroughfare was "not well used".

Epsom Playhouse has a 450-seat main auditorium together with the 80-seater Myers Studio theatre.

The application was unanimously approved by the planning committee.

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