Battle lines could be drawn amid growing frustrations with planners about the future of Petersfield Festival Hall.

It’s been roughly two years since Petersfield Town Council (PTC) lodged an application to revamp the venue.

And although revisions were made early this year they’re still waiting for a final decision on their RIBA 3 application from East Hampshire District Council.

While PTC remains hopeful that approval will be granted, figures closely involved in the project are set to meet so they can prepare responses to possible outcomes.

One could involve “escalating things” to the Secretary of State in the case of refusal with Cllr Chris Paige, chair of the PTC’s Public Halls Committee, getting the council’s blessing for a meeting.

“With the RIBA 3 decision still pending we’re doing all we can to move things along and get a decision,” said Cllr Paige to councillors last Thursday.

“The recommendation is that we hold a meeting to prepare all possible escalation plans. Then we will know exactly what we can do, if anything, so we can move forward.” 

Upcoming events at the hall include the annual Petersfield Arts & Crafts Society annual exhibition from August 22 to 26 and the Hard Day’s Rock Festival.

The latter will take place on August 31 and will include performances from the Pat McManus Band, Brave Rival, Screaming Eagles and Martin Turner X Wishbone Ash.

Seventies favourites Showaddywaddy and Elkie Brooks will also perform at the venue on December 5 and 13, respectively, visit https://www.petersfield-tc.gov.uk/the-festival-hall