A planning decision which will close down a 450 seat Hampshire theatre has divided opinion. 

While Titchfield Festival Theatre (TFT) director Kevin Fraser said Shakespeare would be 'turning in his grave' at The Planning Inspectorate decision, some neighbours were glad to see an end in sight for parking problems in St Margaret's Lane.

TFT have been given seven months to comply following the conclusion of a public inquiry, which ends a long-running planning battle with Fareham Borough Council (FBC) over whether the Arden Theatre was built without planning permission.

(Image: Newsquest / Chris Moorhouse)

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As previously reported, Mr Fraser said he and colleagues were 'broken-hearted' at the decision and that 'the country will lose one of its greatest community arts assets', while FBC councillor Joanne Burton said the saga was 'regrettable' and that theatre bosses had 'let down their many users and patrons as well as costing Fareham Borough Council taxpayers a significant sum of money to bring about compliance with planning law.'

Dozens of theatre-goers and residents reacted to the news. 

Among them, Lauren Kempton said: The bigger picture here is that a beautiful, safe space for children and adults, to create and make theatre has now gone," while David Bennett added: "it makes absolutely no sense to demolish the Arden. Its place in the community and the joy that it brings to people is beyond words."

But Alan Lloyd said: "This is what can happen when you ignore the planning regulations and go ahead with construction thinking you do what you want. Serves them right, there is absolutely no excuse, while Joanne Quade felt that theatre bosses had 'have nobody to blame but themselves'.

More than 160 representations were made on the case, which divided opinion locally.

Titchfield's Oak and Acorn theatres are unaffected by the decision.

TFT's Made in Dagenham, which takes to the stage next month, could be the last show in the largest of the three venues.

FBC is in the process of opening new multi-million pound arts venue Fareham Live in the town centre.