Plans for a new Marlowe Theatre in Canterbury passed a major milestone last night when councillors agreed to apply for planning permission for the ambitious £25.5 million project.

Councillors discussed a comprehensive report into issues such as the cost, money-raising and design and voted unanimously in favour of proceeding through to the planning permission, detailed design and contractor tendering stage of the process.

Leader of the council, Cllr John Gilbey, said: "I am delighted that full council has given its approval to apply for planning permission for the new Marlowe Theatre.

"We are hoping to provide the people of the district and the county with a superb new theatre and construct a world class, contemporary building that improves the architectural quality and skyline of the city."

Theatre director Mark Everett said: "This is very exciting news for the Marlowe and, most importantly, for the many thousands of people who visit this theatre each year.

"The new Marlowe Theatre will provide the district with a vibrant and welcoming new venue that will appeal to everyone and will transform theatre-going and creative participation within our community.

"The project will further establish Canterbury as a centre of culture within Kent and the southeast region."

*Full story in this Thursday's Kentish Gazette