The future of the Wallingford Corn Exchange was recently secured after a developer’s appeal over the refusal of flats on neighbouring land was turned down.

Since the venues win the future of Wallingford’s Corn Exchange has been hailed as “an important precedent” in safeguarding other theatres threatened by neighbouring developments.

This decision is the end of a long-running saga over the plans to build the homes.

Concerns had been raised that potential new residents would complain about the noise and consequently force the venue to shut down.

Now the appeal decision has confirmed that the site has several constraints and any future development will have to consider the listed buildings and the proximity to the noise-producing Corn Exchange. The win has also been seen as a precedent for other theatres under threat.

Read again: Wallingford Corn Exchange's future secured after appeal over flats bid is rejected

Theatres Trust protects theatre buildings and Tom Clarke, national planning advisor for the trust said the outcome shows the ‘Agent of Change’ principle in planning policy is helping to protect cultural and entertainment venues from harmful restrictions and closure.

Mr Clarke added: “To avoid unnecessary costs and anxiety for all parties and local communities, I would strongly encourage prospective developers to engage with venues, consultees such as Theatres Trust and local authorities at an early stage in future to avoid later conflict and ensure proposed schemes are workable.”

The Corn Exchange said: “We are delighted that the appeal has been firmly rejected by the planning inspector. And we believe that this sets a precedent for other theatre buildings that are under threat. All theatres provide an invaluable resource to their communities and the Corn Exchange is ready to welcome back their loyal audience and provide entertainment, culture and an escape from some of the difficulties that we all face at the moment.”

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