Showgoers are edging closer to returning to a town centre theatre forced to shut following the discovery of unsafe concrete.

The Orchard Theatre in Dartford closed with “immediate effect” in September after reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (RAAC) was found in its roof.

An inspection had been prompted by a nationwide audit of public buildings following the emergence of the potentially dangerous material in several schools last summer.

The material was used post-war as a cheap alternative, however, as buildings begin to age it can crumble and is prone to collapse.

In line with national guidance, the Orchard has remained closed since the discovery of the hazardous material.

The auditorium in Home Gardens has been in operation since 1983 and hosts around 350 shows and events.

Plans were drawn up by Dartford council last month to return the theatre to its former glory.

Developers Ingleton Wood confirmed it hoped to build a new roof to replace the existing one on the 4,110 sq m plot.

The proposal has now been given the green light by planning officers.

It will see RAAC-affected planks swapped for a new steel metal deck of the same thickness.

It will require an increase in depth to achieve the acoustic requirements of the auditorium space below.

This resulting higher roof section would mean the theatre’s parapet will likewise need to increase.

Plans also seek to install solar panels on the roof.

This is alongside existing guard rails being reinstalled, plus a door used to access the roof being replaced.

The application’s planning statement adds: “The proposed design offers a high-quality, well-designed roof.

“Thus the proposed change to the existing elevations is justified, and any visual impact minimal due to scale and design choice.

“The proposal would not impact the existing use of the theatre, floor space, or layout of the building or site.

“It would not have any impact on trees, flood risk of the site or surrounding area, the amenity of neighbouring uses, or heritage assets.”

It is estimated the theatre will reopen in around September this year.

A budget allocation is required by Dartford council in the region of £7m to cover the cost of removing the RAAC planks and returning the building back to use.

In the meantime, a temporary £2 million theatre, known as Orchard West, has been set up just 300 metres away in Hythe Street which welcomed its first audiences for the panto season in December.

Dartford council leader Cllr Jeremy Kite insists the theatre’s reopening will see it return as the “beating heart” of the town.

The Tory leader said: “I’m delighted the designs have been accepted - it shows we’ve gone through everything the right way.

“Orchard West has been so successful and popular, it shows how much people are looking forward to the original theatre returning.

“It’s still a massive job and will require a lot of work, but we’re determined to get it up and running for the panto season.

“The theatre has been the beating heart of the community for so long, so for me it was never an option for it not to return.

“Because of people involved stepping up so well, it has meant jobs have been kept alive [too].”