COUNCILLORS have delayed a decision on whether to allow the Kenton Theatre in Henley to install an illuminated sign so they can make a site visit.

Members of South Oxfordshire District Council planning committee will visit the New Street theatre in the week before their meeting on April 17.

They had been scheduled to make decision at their meeting this week.

Wendy Bowsher, managing director of the Kenton, said: “It is another delay but I think that’s good because if you are not familiar with Henley - and many of the councillors don’t live in Henley - it is good for them to see what everybody is talking about, whether they object to it or are for it.”

The 3.7m x 60cm burgundy aluminium sign would be placed above the canopy and supported by decorative brackets in the same colour.


Town councillors have recommended that permission is refused following objections by a neighbour.

Mrs Bowsher said: “What we want is a sign which would be in keeping with the town and we want to reach a compromise with the council.

“It will benefit not only us but the whole town because 40,000 people coming to the theatre has a knock-on effect on the economy.”

A petition in support of the planning application has gained nearly 700 signatures since it was launched last week.

Earlier this month, Ed Simons, chairman of the Kenton trustees, met with district council planning officers to discuss a compromise but they failed to reach an agreement.

Published 18/03/13