LISTED building consent to repair damp issues in an 18th Century theatre has been submitted to North Yorkshire Council.

The Georgian Theatre Royal, in Richmond, suffers from issues with damp in its 2003 extension.

According to a planning statement prepared on behalf of the theatre, the base of the ground floor walls throughout the 2003 addition are damp.

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The extension is heated on all levels with underfloor heating comprising a wet small bore pipe system set into the concrete floor slab.

It would appear that the small bore pipes have filled in the ground floor slab causing water to pass through the slab and into the base of the walls.

The damp has soaked into the gypsum plaster finish at the base of the walls causing damp and salt staining.

The proposed works are for the removal of the existing concrete slab to the ground floor and its replacement with a new concrete slab laid on insulation to modern standards and a damp proof membrane.

The floor shall be finished with carpet to the circulation areas (as existing) and a vinyl sheet to the toilets.

The cubicles and vanity units shall be removed and reinstated or replaced to match existing.

The underfloor heating pipes will not be reinstated and heating shall be provided by standalone wall mounted electric heaters.

The works are to be carried out to the existing modern fabric only and the historic fabric is not affected by these proposals.

The works are considered to have no impact on the character and significance of the building as extant.

The Georgian Theatre Royal has been described as the most important theatre in the development of the English playhouse.

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It is listed Grade I and built of rubblestone sandstone with a graded stone slate roof.

The building's physical massing and impact on the streetscape is relatively low key, and its external appearance is non-specific, providing no true indication of its function.

Simply styled in the local vernacular, it blends with the many late 18th century buildings in the centre of town.