Plans have been submitted to replace the roof of a “vital” town entertainment venue forced to shut following the discovery of unsafe concrete.

The Orchard Theatre in Dartford closed with “immediate effect” in September following the discovery of reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (RAAC) 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 crumbles and is prone to collapse.

The auditorium in Home Gardens has been in operation since 1983 and provides a community facility which hosts a range of shows and events.

But, in line with national guidance, the theatre has remained closed since the discovery of the hazardous material.

In the meantime, a temporary feature, 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.

However, plans are now underway to fix parts of the original theatre so it can reopen later this year.

Developers want to build a new roof to replace the existing one on the 4,110 sq m plot.

If approved, the RAAC-affected planks will be swapped for a new proposed steel metal deck of the same thickness.

It would 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 would likewise need to increase.

The proposal also seeks to install solar panels on the roof.

This is alongside existing guard rails being reinstalled, plus the current door set for roof access 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".

Dartford council leader Jeremy Kite hopes the theatre can reopen this autumn.

The Tory leader said: “The day I was told the roof was not secure was probably one of the worst days I've had.

"The Orchard Theatre is so intrinsic and so vital to local people, [so] we knew immediately it couldn't close.

"We have spent around £2 million on the temporary theatre, but it contributes nearly £5 million in revenue to the local economy.

"It has also reassured local businesses and helped maintain jobs for people at The Orchard.

"So we are heading towards an August or September reopening and certainly by the panto season".

To catch the full interview with Jeremy Kite tune into this week’s Kent politics podcast here.

Dartford council has been asked about the cost of the repair works.