PLANNERS are being asked to allow a ‘temporary’ theatre and conference centre in Minehead’s Butlin’s holiday resort to become permanent before its planning permission runs out.
Butlin’s built a Studio 36 in 2021 as a ‘versatile space’ in each of its three resorts in Minehead, Skegness, and Bognor Regis, which can hold up to 1,600 people for events such as theatre, cabaret, and gala dinners.
Consultant Sam Garland, of Walsingham Planning, said: “Furthermore, these venues provide an ideal setting to meet business needs through conferences and presentations.”
The 2021 planning consent was for three years, with the use of the building restricted to between 10 and 11 pm daily, although closing time was later extended to 1 am for New Year’s Eve.
The all-weather Studio 36 performance venue replaced an outdoor stage which was built in 2020 during the Covid 19 pandemic to allow Butlin’s to provide entertainment while meeting social distancing restrictions.
It also helped the company to increase capacity at a time when Covid 19 restrictions were in place.
Mr Garland said although the outdoor stage was a success, it could not be used in poor weather.
The indoor facility better met guest expectations and provided a weather-proofed facility while also reducing noise nuisance from the resort’s entertainment events.
Mr Garland said Butlin’s had not yet consulted with Minehead Town Council or any local councillors but would do so now the planning application had been submitted.
He said details of work to improve the building’s acoustic performance and soundproofing were included in the planning application and although this did not require permission, Butlin’s was willing to accept a condition it was carried out as part of any consent.
Mr Garland said: “Studio 36 has proved to be a popular attraction to guests and extremely valuable, such that its retention would support the continued and successful operation of the resort.
“This in turn makes a significant contribution to the visitor economy and provides employment opportunities for people.
“Therefore, it is clear the principle of providing development to support the continued successful operation of the resort is acceptable and wholly in accordance with the development plan.”
Mr Garland said the application was not trying to change the times when Studio 36 could be used or to increase the capacity of Butlin’s or overnight accommodation, it simply aimed to allow the firm to keep the resort competitive and meet guest expectations during all weathers and times of the year.
He said: “It will help ensure visitor numbers remain at pre-Covid levels which will make the resort more viable, secure local employment, and boost the local economy.”
Somerset Council, which will determine the Butlin’s planning application, is asking for any public comments about the plans to be submitted by September 7.