THE destiny of a historic theatre rests with Environment Secretary Margaret Beckett, after planners last night gave their blessing to a renovation.

Controversy greeted the first draft of proposals which management hoped would help to breathe new life into the Georgian Theatre Royal, in Richmond, North Yorkshire.

As the only working example of a playhouse from that era in the UK, the principle of internal restoration was broadly welcomed.

But, purists were alarmed by a more radical approach to the external alterations.

Plans indicated that a 1960s' annexe would be demolished and replaced by a glass-fronted extension, housing a bar and coffee lounge, as well as improved access for the disabled.

The objective had been to give the listed building the look of a more modern theatre, without damaging the historic fabric of the original - but architects agreed to a rethink.

After months of negotiations between the planning department of Richmondshire District Council and the Richmond Civic Society, the results were unveiled at the beginning of the month.

However, the council's planning committee still needed to vote on the fresh design, and members met last night to debate the application.

It took just ten minutes for the committee to give the project its unanimous backing.

"It has been pleasing to see the architects and planning officers working together on this scheme; they have done a great job,'' said chairman Campbell Dawson.

The Mayor of Richmond, Jane Metcalfe, said: "The public response to the second scheme has been much more favourable.

"People have even been stopping me on the street to comment on it; it is one of the most exciting things to happen in Richmond for some time."

However, even with the council's blessing, the theatre's future is not yet assured.

As the building is listed, the project must be referred to the Department of the Environment, which has to power to call a public inquiry.

But, if the scheme is considered acceptable, Mrs Beckett can also choose to allow it to proceed, clearing the way for a start on the £1m restoration package early next year